How to clean corroded wire harness? (1 Viewer)

[bikemaniac]

Hi,

Sorry, I have a Hiace, but this seems to be the most active subforum, however the question applies to all forums.

I pulled the entire wire harness and have inspected the electrical connectors. Many connectors show corrosion as a white powder/grainy product on the elctrical surfaces (male and female). On youtube I found a video explaining a method on how to clean connectors: Vinegar and salt to remove the corrosion and baking soda to neutralize the low pH. I am not fond of this method because I believe the acid might travel upwards beyond the electrical wire insulation due to the capillary effect and the baking soda might never neutralize "up there". The result is an even worse situation than before.

Does anyone know of a safe method? It would be best to treat the connectors while in the plastic housings - it seems that many cannot be disassembled at all without destroying the housing.

Lucas

 

[Dave 2000]

You need a terminal pick to most connectors out. You can by electrical contact cleaner to use after the vinegar.

What you should look for is cable going black under the insulation, once this starts and all the strands go black they will be unable to carry current.

I would check each terminal carefully and replace parts that are really bad, don't bother cleaning these bad sections, the damage is done.

Most connectors are still available from Toyota.

Regards

Dave

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, I've never had a problem soaking in baking soda and distilled water. Mike

 

[ajax1]

Use deox it, it is spray cleaner we use for connections on airplanes

 

[ajax1]

 

[LINUS]

Hi - not sure if this will help you, but if you find any terms beyond repair I used to order 'crash repair connectors' via @cruiserdan

I'll let his Yoda-esque voice of experience be the tell-tale of crash terminals experience. I simply appreciated & bought his parts.

And I generally hate the Star Wars references but he does school us all. So it fits.

 

[gummycarbs]

I use DeoxIT, and a soft brass bristle brush for really grungy stuff. Plus some cheap CRC electrical cleaner for blasting out loosened crud. Finish with silicone dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.