Seeking advice on replacing wiring harness
Thread Starter
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Registered User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City, MD
Seeking advice on replacing wiring harness
Hi all,
I've searched through the forum for lessons learned by others, but nothing seemed to answer my questions. So, I'm starting this thread.
I have a 1995 Dakota, regular cab with the 3.9 V6 engine. Recently some electrical problems showed up (no headlights, no power brakes, ABS light came on when depressing brake pedal, no dash lights). Life is particularly hectic at the moment, so I dropped the truck off for a pro to check out. As I already suspected from researching the symptoms online, the technician reported the wiring to the power distribution module inside the engine bay has corroded. The main (red) power wire disintegrated, which lead to the problems I experienced. But I've been told that corrosion is pervasive on other wiring there as well. It was suggested that I'd be better off in the long run replacing the wiring harness.
Since Dodge no longer manufactures wiring harnesses for my truck, I'm seeking suggestions from anyone here on how to solve the problem.
An obvious idea would be to just get a used harness from a salvage yard. Any reputable suggestions? I've started looking online, but nothing shows up yet near where I live (Maryland).
Has anyone replaced their harness with one of the universal kits I've seen advertised online?
Any responses appreciated.
Thanks!
I've searched through the forum for lessons learned by others, but nothing seemed to answer my questions. So, I'm starting this thread.
I have a 1995 Dakota, regular cab with the 3.9 V6 engine. Recently some electrical problems showed up (no headlights, no power brakes, ABS light came on when depressing brake pedal, no dash lights). Life is particularly hectic at the moment, so I dropped the truck off for a pro to check out. As I already suspected from researching the symptoms online, the technician reported the wiring to the power distribution module inside the engine bay has corroded. The main (red) power wire disintegrated, which lead to the problems I experienced. But I've been told that corrosion is pervasive on other wiring there as well. It was suggested that I'd be better off in the long run replacing the wiring harness.
Since Dodge no longer manufactures wiring harnesses for my truck, I'm seeking suggestions from anyone here on how to solve the problem.
An obvious idea would be to just get a used harness from a salvage yard. Any reputable suggestions? I've started looking online, but nothing shows up yet near where I live (Maryland).
Has anyone replaced their harness with one of the universal kits I've seen advertised online?
Any responses appreciated.
Thanks!
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,923
Likes: 19
From: NM
So even after fixing that corroded splice you still have no power to those systems you listed?
Just trace down and repair your problem areas. Start with the system that doesn't have power and trace it back to the fuses see where has power and where it doesn't. We have the service manual in the FAQ in this section, just a few posts above this one.
Just trace down and repair your problem areas. Start with the system that doesn't have power and trace it back to the fuses see where has power and where it doesn't. We have the service manual in the FAQ in this section, just a few posts above this one.
Thread Starter
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Registered User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City, MD
Unfortunately the corrosion has worked its way into the wiring harness itself, as well as the splice.
I found a used harness to replace the one that is no longer reliable. But I was surprised to find that I was unable to find an after-market wiring harness for 1st gen Dakotas. Given the less-than-stellar reputation for the wiring, I'd have thought some wiring harness manufacturer would have stepped up since Dodge quit making the harnesses themselves.
I found a used harness to replace the one that is no longer reliable. But I was surprised to find that I was unable to find an after-market wiring harness for 1st gen Dakotas. Given the less-than-stellar reputation for the wiring, I'd have thought some wiring harness manufacturer would have stepped up since Dodge quit making the harnesses themselves.
