ECU wire size
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 699
Likes: 59
From: Alamogordo, NM
ECU wire size I'll be relocating the ECU and extending the wires in an upcoming project. I searched and most people use an old harness to scavenge wire from but I don't have that option. It appears the wires are about 20 gauge. Would it be safe to just get some different colors from the local parts store and cut, solder, shrink?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 265
From: Bossier City, Louisiana
Not sure about your gauge guess but you are probably close. I'm also not sure about extending those wires but it should probably work. Try to route them away from stereo speakers, large stereo amplifiers, window motors, seat motors and heaters, etc. The longer the length, the lossier those signals become and the more susceptible they become. There are limits and let's hope you don't find those limits because I'm hoping to do the same thing with my El Camino.
When you add length to your wiring, do it in the middle of the run so that you preserve the stock colors at each end. You might not think this is important but the next guy to work on your car will thank you for not changing the wire colors at the connectors.
General Motors publishes a radio frequency interference guide for its products. Ask for it at your local dealer.
Rick
When you add length to your wiring, do it in the middle of the run so that you preserve the stock colors at each end. You might not think this is important but the next guy to work on your car will thank you for not changing the wire colors at the connectors.
General Motors publishes a radio frequency interference guide for its products. Ask for it at your local dealer.
Rick
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 349
Likes: 19
Most of it is .35mm^2 (about 22awg), with some .5mm^2 (about 20awg) and .8mm^2 (about 18awg) thrown in. I've been working on a spreadsheet similar to the one on lt1swap.com, but with more info, including wire gauge.
Jay
Jay
" Would it be safe to just get some different colors from the local parts store ".
I wouldn't. That stuff is usually a cheapo wire, with poor insulation.
Get the good wire from a supplier such as Waytec, Del City, etc.
I wouldn't. That stuff is usually a cheapo wire, with poor insulation.
Get the good wire from a supplier such as Waytec, Del City, etc.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 349
Likes: 19
Look for TXL (Thin-wall Cross Linked), preferably 100% Oxygen Free Copper.
Seems to be the recommended type of wire for harness work, but it might be cheaper to grab a harness at the junkyard instead. lol
Jay
Seems to be the recommended type of wire for harness work, but it might be cheaper to grab a harness at the junkyard instead. lol
Jay
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 699
Likes: 59
From: Alamogordo, NM
ECU wire Thanks for the answers. Yes, quality wire not local parts store wire. I wish we had a junkyard in the area! Next question...what is the minimum size hole to put in the firewall that everything will fit thru. I see the trans plug is large.
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We use... There are 2 pc's that slide into the grommet, and are fastened at the corners w/ screws.
The plate allows a hole large enuf to cover the hole required, to get the harness plugs thru.
Don't forget to put the grommets on BEFORE you put the splices together!
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Im extending my harness 6' to pass thru the passenger side firewall. I depinned labeled and extended the wires. Push them through the firewall then cut them to length where the ECU is located.
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,148
Likes: 12
From: Downers Grove, IL
I would try checking e-bay, facebook, or craigslist for a used harness as you really only need the PCM connector and wiring coming off it, doesn`t matter if someone cut off some of the engine connector plugs while pulling it. If you try to use parts store wire it will normally be lower grade, they won`t have very many colors available, and unless you use all the same color it will be more expensive than buying a second used harness.