Wiring Loom Problems

[frag_dog]

The wiring both under the dash and in the engine bay of my car, is for lack of a better work, a clusterf*ck. As stuff has been added to this car over time, the loom has been more and more hacked. New guagues, stereo and engine mods have all contributed to this. As a result, the heater fan doesn't work, the reverse lights only work when the fuel pump is running etc...

So heres the question I have...
Is rewiring a car something that should be attemted by a backyard mechanic? Any advise?

The other option would be to take it to an auto electricians and get them to do it, but I imagine that would cost well over a grand.

[Pure_In_Sanity]

What sort of vehicle is it?
If replacement looms can be sourced from a wreckers yard etc, it should be do-able at home.
Although if its a later model vehicle with wires running all over the place, it might be best taking to an auto electrician.

I'd be removing the guages, audio etc and starting over. If extra wires have to be run, you could fit these to the loom before installing & make things a lot neater.

Each to their own though.

Phil

[frag_dog]

Its for a RA28. So finding one at a wreckers could be a problem.

[Hash_ra23]

it all depends on how good you are with electrics. With a multimeter and some good stripping/crimping/soldering gear you can neaten it up yourself. But it will give you headaches, especially since someone else did the dodgy wiring. Get some wiring diagrams and have a good look to see if you can trace some bits out.

[Norbie]

Rewiring is definitely something you can do yourself, especially in a car with such a simple electrical system, but you need to have wiring diagrams and the ability to read them.

[frag_dog]

I've done a bit of electronics in high school (few years ago now...). I might try and track down a wiring diagram. Anyone have one?

It would just be nice to have ALL the fuses in one spot as oppose to close to whatever device they control. This morning I gave up trying to figure out why the heater control doesn't work and wired the switch direct to the battery.

[Hash_ra23]

the celica haynes manual can be found easily at auto shops and has a wiring diagram in it. Only problem is that your gonna have to figure out how the previous owner wired in the 3tgte. But you should be able to figure out your heater problem with it.

[frag_dog]

I figure with the engine, I'll buy one of the looms that Wolf sell on their website and try and get it going from there.
I'll pick up an Haynes for the old girl next week and see what I'm in for.
Thanks