wiring issues (1 Viewer)

[sfclines]

Ok I have read over the FAQ's and have not really found anything that helps me out.

I have been living with my 79 fj40 now for about 3 weeks. Its great but I have some wiring issues...... I think.

The basic things you need to have work fine. i.e. lights, break lights, and radio. But things like reverse lights, the fan for the heater, heater in the rear. Looks like the harness has been chopped up over the years.

So... Since I am not getting rid of the money pit anytime soon should I be thinking doing a new harness or just make more fixes to whats already there?

Thanks
Lines

PS and 40 owners in the STL area say hey.

 

[cpmarcani]

A new harness is time consuming, If it's a daily driver fix what you have.

I installed a Painless Harness in mine, it was a big job.

 

[atoyot]

I would not suggest a new wiring harness as a fix for this right now. What I quickly learned with my old cruiser ('73) is that the wiring requires patience, troubleshooting and a good fix. I would go straight to the fuse box. Take the fuses out for the effected components (back lights, heater etc.) Make sure the fuse contacts are clean. You may need to buff a layer of corrosion off of them. Make sure the fuses are good. Sometimes you can't tell from just looking at them. Once you have a good fuse and the contacts are clean I would test both sides of the fuses (installed with the key turned to acc) to make sure your getting a current through the fuse. Once you have "juice" going past the fuse you know the problem lies somewhere between the fuse and the component (heater fan switch, lights). I would check the ground. I had to take a couple of my grounds off and sand the body a little when I was having some light issues.

If money and time are not an issue and you enjoy a large project like replacing a wiring harness then that might be the rout to go. But if your like me and would rather get kicked in the nuts than replace a wiring harness then I would just tackle the issues individually.

Also make sure the bulbs are good and the housings are clean and free of corrosion. A dremmel works good for getting in those tight places like a cigarette lighter, or small light bulb housing or even a fuse panel.

You should disconnect the battery when "playing" with wiring. I usually have it hooked up when I am troubleshooting and then disconnect it for the maintenance portion. I usually just disconnect the negative.

 

[sfclines]

Not a daily driver but I do like to drive it.

I know it would be a huge job... Were you able to do it on your own? Any kind of special tools or anything like that?

The big question is are you happy that you did it?

 

[atoyot]

If you think there is a possibility of an engine swap in your future you might wait till then. Even if you don't think I'm not sure what condition your motor is in but if it is original and has not been rebuilt you might be taking it out eventually anyway. I wasn't expecting to swap mine out. I know if I didn't have to replace the wiring I could think of a few things to spend that money on (locker, spare parts, beer,new stereo, wal-mart shopping spree, beer, tools, beer)

 

[atoyot]

And depending on who does the wiring swap and their experience level you might be better of just fixing the stock wiring.

 

[Pin_Head]

Based on your sketchy description of the problems, it isn't clear that there is a problem with the wiring.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."