73 FJ40 "EZ Wiring Kit" question

[olddodge]

Hi and thanks in advance, looking for help wiring the blinkers, Basically not sure where to hook wires from kit to the turn signal wires from column. I am kind of confused by the 2 brake switch wires and turn signal flasher wire? I think what makes it even more difficult my stock column wires don't seem to match any diagrams.

 

[FWaltersnewbie]

Hey @olddodge --I'm in the same boat. Just figured out the hazard switch, but currently stumped by the column wire harness. If you need help with hazard, I might be able, but no promises.
I'm doing a Kwik-wire harness myself--think some of the purist folks on here get cranky when noobs post non-OEM harness questions (or just don't answer)

 

[FWaltersnewbie]

Hey @olddodge --I'm in the same boat. Just figured out the hazard switch, but currently stumped by the column wire harness. If you need help with hazard, I might be able, but no promises.
I'm doing a Kwik-wire harness myself--think some of the purist folks on here get cranky when noobs post non-OEM harness questions (or just don't answer)

BTW, my column harness has 6+1 connectors which appear to be (GR, GO, GY, G, GL, GB ) + GW (as well as the dimmer switch connectors RY, ETC)
Haven't found one diagram with this rainbow of colors for the column/turn switches

 

[Flipper1938]

EZ harnesses are mainly designed for street rods and are probably based on a 70's general motors design. If you wire it up like a street rod, they are great. I have had one of those harnesses in a 48 chevy truck for 8 years and have had zero issues.

 

[FWaltersnewbie]

EZ harnesses are mainly designed for street rods and are probably based on a 70's general motors design. If you wire it up like a street rod, they are great. I have had one of those harnesses in a 48 chevy truck for 8 years and have had zero issues.

I get that they're not specialized for an FJ40 or other Toy product, but FJ40s often have GM engines (as mine does)--so it seems like a no-brainer in the beginning, then gets messy when one has to re-do the Toyota wiring. My (and it seems many other noobs') problems lie often in just trying to identify which year a particular part might be, since POs so often mix and match, and then trying to figure out the schematics (which don't tell one where/when to splice, whether a particular area is in the column group or not) based on wire color.
So many folks are helpful, and I'm sure they get fatigued when people ask the same questions. Having done quite a number of searches myself on and off the forum, it's still pretty frustrating when I can't find or figure it out with what info I'm able to find only to see someone (yet again) say, "just look at the schematic"
(sorry to bitch)

 

[FJ40RobQ]

I understand your frustration. I had the same issue with my wiring and got an EZ harness. I was able to make it work and want to help you, but I'm in the road this week. Here's a pic of mine going in, if it helps for now. I do remember that there was a lot of splicing. And when I get back to my 40. I will take pics to help you and share my notes of getting it to work. There is

light at the end of this tunnel!

 

[FWaltersnewbie]

I understand your frustration. I had the same issue with my wiring and got an EZ harness. I was able to make it work and want to help you, but I'm in the road this week. Here's a pic of mine going in, if it helps for now. I do remember that there was a lot of splicing. And when I get back to my 40. I will take pics to help you and share my notes of getting it to work. There isView attachment 1228805 light at the end of this tunnel!

Looks similar to my rig at the moment! Just recently learned that I need to splice the front and rear left blinkers together as well as F+R right blinkers before adding the plug (now that I think about it, makes sense). Still wondering what one of the plugs goes to (GO), since I can't find it on any wiring schematic that I've seen (have looked in every one listed in Haynes manual for every year, even FJ55 on the off chance this is when/where the column came from). 'preciate the help when you get a chance!

Tom

 

[Coolerman]

Coolerman's Electrical Schematics and FSM File Retrieval link to every schematic I have found. Scroll down for different years. Click on the file to download it to your computer.

Some notes on wire colors:
GO = Left turn/hazard both front and rear
GY = Right turn/hazard both front and rear
GW = Brake/Park Switch
GL = Flasher
G = Park lights front and rear
RL = reverse lights

Link to drawing showing how the turn and Hazard switches are wired to the lights:
http://www.globalsoftware-inc.com/coolerman/fj40/Page6AImages/TurnSignalSwitch.png

 

[Pin_Head]

I don't want to sound cranky but you don't mention what year and this matters because the turn signal wiring completely changed in the mid 70s.

The problem with generic kits or GM kits is that the wiring is incompatible with the Toyota flasher and turn switch as is. There is no EZ wire that you can just plug into the Toyota harness. The solutions include: 1) Use the stock existing Toyota wires from the flasher switch and turn signals, 2) to recreate the Toyota wiring with new wire one by one using only the generic kit fuses or 3) buy a GM steering column that is plug compatible with GM harnesses.

Rewiring is especially difficult if you can't read a schematic diagram or identify the wire color codes.

 

[Coolerman]

I will add this: When you do get it working, and if you want to contribute to the knowledge base that MUD represents. then
PLEASE, draw it up exactly as you have it wired and post that drawing here for the other folks that will go down this path!
SHARE the knowledge!!!

 

[FWaltersnewbie]

Coolerman's Electrical Schematics and FSM File Retrieval link to every schematic I have found. Scroll down for different years. Click on the file to download it to your computer.

Some notes on wire colors:
GO = Left turn/hazard both front and rear
GY = Right turn/hazard both front and rear
GW = Brake/Park Switch
GL = Flasher
G = Park lights front and rear
RL = reverse lights

Link to drawing showing how the turn and Hazard switches are wired to the lights:
http://www.globalsoftware-inc.com/coolerman/fj40/Page6AImages/TurnSignalSwitch.png

I appreciate the help, Mark/ @Coolerman ! The connector I have has GB and GR also. Is GR horn switch? (there's a separate 4-tab connector that has RL, RG, RW, and ?? (haven't looked at it closely enough since I've got the floor dimmer connected already)

 

[FWaltersnewbie]

I don't want to sound cranky but you don't mention what year and this matters because the turn signal wiring completely changed in the mid 70s.

The problem with generic kits or GM kits is that the wiring is incompatible with the Toyota flasher and turn switch as is. There is no EZ wire that you can just plug into the Toyota harness. The solutions include: 1) Use the stock existing Toyota wires from the flasher switch and turn signals, 2) to recreate the Toyota wiring with new wire one by one using only the generic kit fuses or 3) buy a GM steering column that is plug compatible with GM harnesses.

Rewiring is especially difficult if you can't read a schematic diagram or identify the wire color codes.

Hi @pinhead , in another thread, I explained my situation: 1969 FJ40, with some 1972 dash switches from PO, possibly a 1974 column from another PO, as well as a 2012 VORTEC V8 from the last POs, but this is part of the problem since I can't figure out which year it is (have asked on a number of occasions and haven't ever received a response (probably because there's so many of us asking the same questions that the experts get answer-fatigue [and they're working on their own rigs]). Yes, it would certainly make things easier if I knew. I've looked at every year's schematic in my Haynes manual (which appear to be the same as what I've found on @Coolerman 's site in the last month or so), and my eyes have not been able to spy any one with what appears to be the right combo of colored wires in the plug, which is throwing off my ability to trace the schematic.

I am mostly doing option 2) above. Have gotten the hazard flasher working, but not yet the L/R blinkers.

 

[FWaltersnewbie]

I understand your frustration. I had the same issue with my wiring and got an EZ harness. I was able to make it work and want to help you, but I'm in the road this week. Here's a pic of mine going in, if it helps for now. I do remember that there was a lot of splicing. And when I get back to my 40. I will take pics to help you and share my notes of getting it to work. There isView attachment 1228805 light at the end of this tunnel!

That column looks pretty similar to mine--what year is it? Could you please show me closeup of the plugs/connectors coming from the column (when chance arrives)?

 

[Coolerman]

It's no wonder you can't figure it out. When you start mixing years, you simply have to have the electrical knowledge to puzzle it out. This is one reason you can't get answers to what may to you, appear to be a simple question. Another issue is Toyota did not provide good documentation on the early trucks. All you have is a schematic. Later trucks (The 1969 is an exception, there is a harness drawing available on my web site schematic page.) added the harness drawings but the colors of wire used on switches often does not match the drawings.

Be aware that the 74 turn switch supports the three way tail lights, where as the 69 harness does not. You need an early turn switch to get the function needed to combine the brake and turn signals. It may be possible to put an early turn switch circuit board into the 74 column housing.

 

[FWaltersnewbie]

It's no wonder you can't figure it out. When you start mixing years, you simply have to have the electrical knowledge to puzzle it out. This is one reason you can't get answers to what may to you, appear to be a simple question. Another issue is Toyota did not provide good documentation on the early trucks. All you have is a schematic. Later trucks (The 1969 is an exception, there is a harness drawing available on my web site schematic page.) added the harness drawings but the colors of wire used on switches often does not match the drawings.

Be aware that the 74 turn switch supports the three way tail lights, where as the 69 harness does not. You need an early turn switch to get the function needed to combine the brake and turn signals. It may be possible to put an early turn switch circuit board into the 74 column housing.

I'm guessing this is part of the reason why earlier POs never actually redid the wiring; been wondering if I should just get a 69 column switch/harness

 

[cjgoode]

I have not started to wire mine, have the EZ harness ready to go, hope to start this week so hoping you figure it out for me. some wiring harnesses are just no good anymore, mine the wires are green and black with corrosion on copper wire inside the casing, to me it would be crazy to throw in a 50 year old harness you know is bad, and no one is really selling a harness for an fj40 so what choice do we have but figure it out with an EZ harness. At least once you figure it out with a new harness you are not likely going to have endless electrical gremlins because of old bad wires. I think the windshield wiper harness if the only part I will try and reuse, or possible just remake.

 

[FWaltersnewbie]

I have not started to wire mine, have the EZ harness ready to go, hope to start this week so hoping you figure it out for me. some wiring harnesses are just no good anymore, mine the wires are green and black with corrosion on copper wire inside the casing, to me it would be crazy to throw in a 50 year old harness you know is bad, and no one is really selling a harness for an fj40 so what choice do we have but figure it out with an EZ harness. At least once you figure it out with a new harness you are not likely going to have endless electrical gremlins because of old bad wires. I think the windshield wiper harness if the only part I will try and reuse, or possible just remake.

I know Coolerman used to sell harnesses, but not sure any more due to time?
I was pretty impressed with the quality of the wires on the Kwik-wire that I got, and was also wary of the old harness, however good shape it was in. I want my donkey to work, not to quit.
Once I actually get all the wiring working, I'll start posting pics and diagrams of what I have and what products I used. @RustyNailJustin turned me onto Summit Racing for a lot of gear, including electrical connectors, heat/shrink-wrap torch, etc. that have been very helpful.

 

[Coolerman]

I take breaks every year from harness building usually in the spring when my day job gets busy. I am taking a break right now. I plan to start building again later this summer.

I can currently build new harnesses from 64 to 9/71.
I could build ANY FJ25/40/45 older harness back to 1958, IF you have the old harness in good enough shape to use as a template.
Soon I will be able to build harnesses from 9/71 to 9/73 but only if you have your old harness to salvage the fuse block connectors from.

I do NOT build custom harnesses! There are some thing I can do like add Fog Lights to your harness, or move the alternator to the passenger side, or add ignition wiring for using later model igniters and large cap dizzies. But that is about the limit. The reason is simple: I cannot test custom stuff and if it's wrong it's very difficult to trouble shoot when your in Alaska and I'm in KY...

Unless you have some reason for wanting the later column I would try to source all 1969 parts. It will be plug and play AND your truck will be worth more should you ever want to sell it.

 

[FWaltersnewbie]

I take breaks every year from harness building usually in the spring when my day job gets busy. I am taking a break right now. I plan to start building again later this summer.

I can currently build new harnesses from 64 to 9/71.
I could build ANY FJ25/40/45 older harness back to 1958, IF you have the old harness in good enough shape to use as a template.
Soon I will be able to build harnesses from 9/71 to 9/73 but only if you have your old harness to salvage the fuse block connectors from.

I do NOT build custom harnesses! There are some thing I can do like add Fog Lights to your harness, or move the alternator to the passenger side, or add ignition wiring for using later model igniters and large cap dizzies. But that is about the limit. The reason is simple: I cannot test custom stuff and if it's wrong it's very difficult to trouble shoot when your in Alaska and I'm in KY...

Unless you have some reason for wanting the later column I would try to source all 1969 parts. It will be plug and play AND your truck will be worth more should you ever want to sell it.

Where do I look on the switch to confirm what year it is? (and is there a chart somewhere to calculate what the OEM #s mean?)

 

[SMG]

I'm in the same boat! I just started my EZ-Wire install. Yikes!