How To Restore Any Wiring Harness

On project cars, restoring, retapping, repairing or fixing damaged wiring harness is a common repair. If you have damaged wiring you always want to fix it when access is easy. Plus restoring an engine harness makes the engine compartment look like new.
Thanks to WD-40 for being such a great part of this build
WD-40 electrical cleaner ~ amzn.to/2fgmKdr
Tape to wrap harness ~ amzn.to/2wZeg3R
Seam ripper ~ amzn.to/2wnMpqv
Paint pen ~ amzn.to/2y59Ve2
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[@markjohnson4643]

I discovered the joys of goo gone. If you use goo gone in small amounts, just enough to drip down in to the tape and wires, it will destroy all that sticky stuff holding the tape on. I used it for everything now. I believe it's made with citrus oil so it's not a caustic chemical or solvent. It could make all the difference even if you're just going to cut the tape off, this stuff will save you from all that sticky garbage on your hands, clothes, car, tools. It's just one more little thing to make wire harness redressing less of a chore!

[@la1negrita]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm in the process of replacing the coil pack wiring harness on my 1.8 T Jetta on a longitudinal engine. This was very helpful.

[@lungelinecowboy]

Awesome video. Always left my harness alone but this will definitely complete the look. A video on how to replace broken connectors with new ones would be great too.

[@vincesina5417]

This video was everything I was looking for; it's all the information I needed. I can't thank you enough for providing this information. A lot of it is common sense, but it's nice to see someone who's actually doing it from start to finish.

[@phillipketron9632]

Note: using the seam ripper at 2:28 & 4:20, to protect the wires inside, I insert the ball under the tape to reduce the occurrence of nicking the wire(s) and the pointed side only to separate one layer from the others, then insert the ball side to cut. In addition, to the safety tips in the video, always push the ripper away from your body & body parts to reduce the chance for injury. Thank you for the great video, especially the tape selection information.

[@BlakeCastle]

Awesome video, thanks for all the great tips. Just finished up restoring my wiring loom, the seam ripper really is such a good tool for the job, so glad I seen this before attempting it.

[@HumbleMechanic]

awesome!

[@LestonDr]

So happy I found your video. Restoring 72' Monte Carlo with ziebart all over the wiring harnesses... I am also adding an after market wiper delay as well as power window and power door locks. Great advise. Thank you.

[@Huntershotit]

I remember watching this video a while back. The tape is an excellent idea. Went to amazon and found it but came back to watch the video and used your affiliate link. Thanks for helping me and letting me help you.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much!!! 🙏🙏🍻🍻

[@barbaraday1]

Great job....my grandson NEEDS this done to his 2007 Buick Lacrosse 😞....I wish you were close by❗ Maybe he and I will be up to it before long....🙏

[@mxpants4884]

Seam ripper was such a great trip!

[@brianpedersen3439]

Great work.. exactly the same way iam doing it, electrical tape came loose over time, so newer use that in cars, I always use the real fabric tape, the same as used original, that works..

[@virtualdent]

Your video production quality is awesome.

[@quincybirwood2629]

Well done. Great tips. Thanks for posting.

[@RubberChicken808]

Great video, very thorough thank you!!!

[@kevinsteeno3726]

I just got done doing this to my Celica engine harness. That tape is amazing stuff.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Kevin Steeno nice!!!

[@theadventuresofjavier8698]

The devil is in the details HM. Btw my son texted me yesterday asking if I heard of your channel. Lol. I told I'm subbed to you.i feel like I've let him down by not showing him my world of automotive repair. Hope he starts watching all your videos. I'm confident he will enjoy them.thanks HM for all you do.cheers

[@HumbleMechanic]

DUDE! That is awesome. Thank you both for the support.

[@MGillDesign]

How common is it for the wiring underneath to develop a short or break from re-installation? My car randomly shut off, after the harness was reinstalled (from an auto accident). We found a loose terminal pin, and it seemed to fix issue. But wondering is it easy to damage wires (just from taking out and putting back in).

[@mypointofview6056]

The 3M friction tape is the same as the car manufactures used in the 1960s and early 70s, I have a friend that worked in the industry. So it is not a bad choice.

[@americanpride9733]

Most things used in cars from back then werent exactly premium grade

[@mypointofview6056]

@@americanpride9733 Well then I would think that 3M being a premium product has improved since then.

[@tedtolentino4955]

Charles, great vid and explanation on how to freshen up the wire loom. I have an old GM truck that needs such a refreshing of the wire looms. One problem I have run into is that the loom coming from the dash and connects to the loom in the engine bay meets at a plastic housing (or block) at the firewall. The pins of each loom meet together in this housing which is filled with a pitch-like substance (i suppose for weather and moisture protection). I would like to remove the substance and clean up the pins before assembling it altogether. Would the WD40 product be sufficient to do the job or do you have a recommendation of another product to use in this case? The space between the pins is quite tight and I doubt if I can get sufficient room around each pin to clean/scrape with a emery board. Do have another solution? Thanks millions.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hope you guys love this one! The MK3 wiring is so ugly. LOL This makes a world of difference. Now I am off to go collaborate with Engineering Explained, ChrisFix, EricTheCarGuy, Matt Maran Motoring, Briansmobile1, Classic G Body, and Bleepin Jeep :)

[@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit]

HumbleMechanic Uh oh.. There are two types of people in this world: those who love wiring and those who despise it. You're definitely in the better half. Pretty sure I'm not.

[@sleepyancient6655]

HumbleMechanic That friction tape looks like stick/hockey tape. Used mainly for the blade and handle of a hockey stick... at least where I come from. Also makes a decent water ignorant bandage when paired with paper towel.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit this is spot on. Haha. I think the people that love it have a little bit of a glitch in their brain. And I say that as someone who has said glitch.

[@Koshunae]

I have the glitch too. I love wiring and electrical work haha

[@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit]

Koshunae I'm OK with wiring that goes in a straight line, like an extension cord. It's not hard, it's just that when you look at a billion colorful wires that go everywhere and could burn your car down, it's a little intimidating.

[@guitarlover302]

Thanks for this ! What’s best thing to clean old wiring loom tape please ?

[@alexmecklenburg9671]

Hey Charles, I picked up an OBD1 VR6 for my Mk1, would like to cam it and maybe Supercharge it in the future, just wonder if you think I should leave it obd1 with stock harness, or convert to obd2 and get a plug and play harness from Eurowise?

[@danielleech1988]

After watching that I just want to rip the electrical guts out of my van and do the same!!!!! Nice vid

[@bradysolaem2467]

Subbed good stuff 10+ years in i can tell your legit even learned me a few tricks

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome. Thank you 🙏

[@charlesdouglas9199]

Great vid Charles

[@kennethtalbott2233]

Nice and neat job. makes a big difference.

[@huggysr]

Hi, just need yr advice whthr its advisable to re-wire the whole engine harness on my Chrysler Grand Voyager yr 2000.

[@0hn0haha]

Finally some competition for chrisfix

[@yourstruly8084]

Never

[@ryanscarver]

I sometimes find that the wire insulator has cracked near the connector, especially in high-heat areas. Examples of this would be Coil Pack Connectors and Headlight Connectors. Instead of cutting the wires, I first attempt to de-pin the connector and cover with Marine Heat Shrink over the individual wires. You can find a box of different sizes available at Harbor Freight Tools. Marine Heat Shrink tubing has an extra adhesive sealing layer inside. When you apply heat to shrink it in place, it seals against the individual copper wire strands, giving it a little extra waterproofing and protection. This is important to note for any areas exposed to rain and weather or that may come into contact with any other liquids.

[@chvydrptop]

humbleMechanic if you wanted to actually change one full wire from sensor end to sensor end would you be able to get the exact oem connector for the ends? Or would you just do a butt connector as you did in the video?

[@samsgarage99]

Humblemechanic thanks for share I didn't think about that that really helps me a lot

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome

[@barbswit1653]

"This is a great informative video" Thanks for the information 😁

[@eliasshadow5643]

Awesome video. ✌👍

[@jamarcohull2671]

Im driving a golf 5 2.0 fsi BLY manual , due to its high mileage I recently fitted a BLX engine on the car. Problem is my old engine was manual, so the wiring harness differs from that of the BLX engine which came from a DSG car. Is there any way I can tap into my old harness and modify it to fit the BLX engine or should I buy a wiring harness built for the BLX engine. NB* My car is still running on the manual transmission

[@alakrang.7775]

Hi, I need an advice please, my engine harness of my camaro got burned just a little piece but some of the wires got burned and that caused the check engine light on so I need to fix it but the whole harness it’s kinda expensive…. What can I do? Can I buy wire and fix the burned part or what can you recommend? Thank you

[@MrWoodstar1]

Great video, thanks. Do you have any videos where you have to repair corrosion/breaks in an engine wire harness?

[@photographerswithoutborder7302]

Amazing jobs

[@allenk5649]

Good idea using the seam ripper

[@ocesmekanics3831]

I want to restore my wire harness by changing all the wiring to new wiring. Any ideas where can I get a wiring kit to do so? I have a stock sr20de. I just want to do the engine harness

[@nathanroberts862]

Any tips on where to find a complete with connectors chassis wiring harness for sale for 90 Chevy c1500?? I have been looking for weeks. Appears I may have to use a universal harness because my wires are brittle and connectors as well

[@jamesbailey7785]

Hey young man; Thanks for the vid help. I am trying to find a vid/pic on how the factory splices were made. It looks like my durango has a wire mishap involving the crank and cam sensors and the tan/yellow wire to PCM pin 18. I also have issue with 5v from crank sensor to cam. The connection is in a tight space back corner of engine fuel rail and I am slowly pealing tape working towards the splice and do not want to damage. Best; Tom

[@kennethharless9696]

Im about to attempt this on my 94 pontiac firebird... I already know its going to be a headache. I bought the car from someone who likes to tinker with wires, so there was 8 grounds from the loom on one bolt next to the throttle body... this is going to be fun. its going to be so worth it when its done :) It took me 2 weeks to get the car running... rewired the starter, output shaft speed sensor, resistor for the theftlock 2 bypass,Tps,Iac sensors.. I have my work cut out for me..

[@hoodbillys]

Good job👌🏾

[@gravitygolf]

I'm trying to replace the wiring from my maf sensor on my 2010 6.6 back to the main connection. How can you connect a new wire into the main connection properly?

[@dannielsawulski1221]

Any tips on preventing ignition coil connector wires from becoming brittle and cracking. Are there any type of sprays that can be applied to the wire insulation to help it last longer. Thanks

[@vwjet357]

What problems could you see if you didn’t fix that wire around 7:45? Could that cause Intermittent errors or ECU miscommunications and stuff?

[@CharlesReiche]

Very nice!

[@rushtanto8671]

do you know or have recommendation to purchase harness for my Chevy Blazer AWD, ENGINE 4.3L AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 4L60E WITH PNP SWITCH, O2 SENSOR 1 SENSOR 2, AIR CONDITIONER

[@CrAzYDr1veR]

I have seen that friction tape get very sticky and ugly when used in the engine bay because of heat, so i usually use the plastic shielding outside normal tape as oem wiring...

[@flightson55]

So I got a 2009 Chevy cobalt lt and the wiper pump isn’t getting any power. Is there a new harness I can buy and rerun it though? I’m not good with wires so I don’t want to fuck with the old ones that look frayed.

[@nickayivor8432]

SUBSTANTIAL HumbleMechanic Tutorial great Thank you very much helpful video. HumbleMechanic From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

[@rajuar1955]

You are always great I'm from india

[@rickymac54321]

India is a lovely country. I would love to visit one day.

[@keridesireeGerBaldi]

Ive never felt so emotional watching KZbin

[@BobbyFigliola]

I understand this was a while ago....on an older harness.20+ yrs....testing, insulation missing...use liquid tape instead of actually cutting and butt connections....ya gonna wrap and encase in wire harness tubes... clean job. Great man!! Lastly s check for conductivity before buttoning up Loom

[@HumbleMechanic]

Checking before wrapping. 100%!!

[@txoojtsuahawj8890]

I am looking the engine harness wire for a 2001 Do you have one or how can I get one❤❤

[@robmartin217]

On my Intrepid....having starting/stalling problem....a local recommended a engine wiring harness....I cannot find one....can mine be repaired/restored?....

[@JB-yi6sc]

What wire do you use if you need extra wire because I have burned wire

[@renevidalino5294]

I would like to know the model of tesa tape and the other 3M. .. Thanks

[@user-gd3dg9xv2m]

Question someone. What can you use to clean oil off wires. My battery keeps dying and have some exposed wires

[@americanpatriot2999]

I am trying to find the opens in the left sliding door wiring harness for my 2010 town and country. I need a wiring diagram.

[@henryguerra2008]

How I can reconnect the wire harness to brake switch to my GMC Yukon xl 2016

[@jeffeverde1]

Damaged insulation with exposed conductor @ 5:19 ? The white/brown-stripe wire above your right hand

[@TarpeianRock]

I always use self-amalgamating tape : uv resistant, totally waterproof and weather resistant. Be sure to wrap the electrical wire first with a thin tape so the s.a.t. won’t amalgamate with the wiring. Handy when you have to get to any wiring for repairs.

[@MsLAmy]

Thank you

[@mrcurlywhirly1671]

That looks like a VR6 in a GTI? I have an R32 that needs some wiring loom surgery, will probably go with the braided sheathing over the harness as well, that is the way to go if you want to add more bling - nice video!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Agree.

[@anthonymarino4260]

nice vid thanks

[@waseemfarooqi5777]

nicely protect the car wiring. good

[@manuelsalvatierra2940]

would it be ok to tug on the individual wire in case of any corroded wires?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Manuel Salvatierra I'm not sure exactly what you're asking. You can tug wires. You have to be careful, but wires as pretty damn strong. Except when you leave something connected and remove the engine. Haha

[@craizygolf1980]

I GOT A QUESTION, IS IT POSSIBLE TO MAKE A 3.6L VR6 TO A 4.0L VR6 ?

[@thomasabrams3579]

I've sprayed CRC Electrical cleaner into those plastic housings only to find the spray causing the silicone seal in the bottom of the connector to swell preventing the mating connector to completely engage. Do you find the WD40 product you're using not to be an issue there?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I had tested that out a few weeks before making this video, and I didn't run into any issues. :)

[@carslover3509]

Love you man

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks :)

[@f.k.b.16]

I come because my wife's friend (single, older, broke) has an 05 Sedona. She had the power steering pump changed. The mechanic noticed a mouse ate through the insulation of "some wires" and replaced the section of bad wire. Now, you guessed it, the transmission slams into 2nd then enters 1 gear only limp mode. She described her issues but didn't mention that it was just worked on. She mentioned that her tach stopped working so (before I knew the back story) I went to change the ignition failure sensor hoping for a long shot fix thinking that might be causing the transmission issues. That's when i noticed all the wiring to the transmission was "new". So my question is: How the world can I diagnose the wiring without a wiring diagram? The mechanic is playing dumb to the repair now claiming her transmission went bad right after the repair. (Well... Not playing) He actually spliced wires and ran new ones so the plug has 1 new connectors inside the housing ran with 6 inches of new wire connected to a blob of the original wiring harness. So it's all plugged in the correct ports but I don't know if he mixed up the pins.

[@sterlingphoenix6353]

I have a 83 nissan 720, was wondering about the wiring harness, and it has numerous amount of wiring and hoses. I would like to just make it simple, headlights, tail lights, blinkers, and wipers in the engine bay the starter, alternator, battery, and coils and the trucks fuel pump. Everything else is just more of a convenience for those who need it, I bought it for a work truck and reliability, is that a possibility to do? Thanks in advance.

[@armankussman2120]

Should be possible. Try figuring out what features you use and what you don't and try to dig up some wiring diagrams and see what you can figure out!

[@GatisGirdenis]

I'm unsure if that's the case with your tape, but I'd use heat resistant tape. These cloth tapes sometimes like to set on fire. I usually do a 'lighter test' on the tapes to see if in case of a short or contact with hot parts, like the exhaust headers, it would set on fire or just melt. Better safe than sorry.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Gatis Girdenis agree better safe than sorry!! This is high heat engine tape. It's the same thing many German companies use for their engine tape.

[@GatisGirdenis]

I wrapped my loom with an alternative for about $4 for around 80ft roll that I found in my local department store. It was the only one which was heat resistive there. The original MK4 loom tape would actually set on fire with a lighter and the one I wrapped my loom with wouldn't, so I'm quite confident. But then again, my mk4 loom was pretty crusty, haha

[@bluefeatherlopez7]

?' where does the ground bar go on passenger side coilovers on 2007 dodge charger 3.5l ? Do you know".

[@miloregnix_vlogs293]

Do you have to disconnect the battery when repairing wiring looms?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I for sure would

[@fatfuzzypotato6113]

Yeah definitely dealt with my fair share of original car harnesses oldest probably a 1957 Pontiac bonneville and someone has always messed with them got to love the hours of fixing problems and rebuilding them it has got to the point of therapeutic but it flips between that and all out rage while fixing 95 problems under the dash of a 79 trans am that’s us 5 radios police scanners and led lights added lol

[@Honestreview-om5hx]

I'm working on one now that has a rats nest of random old wires. MULTIPLE window, door locks, radios trailer brakes, LED, wireless key fob receiver, extra alarms, it never ends. I honestly don't know how to proceed. I've just been slowly removing stuff as I come across it.

[@geruner]

Do you know if there are tapes available in colors.... my engine has a yellow theme... great to learn of the WD40.

[@TheeAbstractHero]

That would get filthy, look terrible, and not be easy to clean. Not a very good idea.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+geruner I don't think the tape I used is. I know they make regular electrical tape in yellow. I do agree that it would get dirty, but do your build your way. I might look for some split loom that's yellow instead. That way you can take t off easy and clean it

[@geruner]

My car is a 1988 Mitsubishi Precis LS and I use a tooth brush to clean it... take it to car shows... only I got t boned and am still trying to get it up and running again. The original idea was to see it on a dark highway and tinker without getting a white shirt dirty and went from there. Thanks for the time and reply.

[@darwinhopkins7487]

I just put a new wire harness on my 2006 Buick Lucerne the connector will hooks up to the starter wire the only wire that don't have no fire to it what could be the problem my car won't say anything or click or nothing

[@chrstphrr]

A note for Canadians: Hockey Tape. Maybe a note for Americans too? Check at the sports sections of stores, if they have hockey sticks, they ought to have black hockey tape, you can get a pack of rolls at a reasonable price.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Right, but is hockey tape designed to get hot like good electrical tape in an engine bay?

[@thefaisal13]

DE Nichols I tried it on my car, not good at all in engine bay.

[@johnterpack3940]

But what if I don't want my car randomly slamming other cars into the wall?

[@nickprostizenovski6948]

Sticky side to sticky side all the way through or just to start ??

[@arielatom03]

Link to the connector you used at the end?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+arielatom03 oohh. Good call let me find it. This is one I had just laying around.

[@YINGYANGPOLARBEAR]

How did you actually remove the harness from the car?

[@feetfats1]

Is that the same as hockey tape?

[@json8172]

electrical cleaner also works well for breaking down the glue in the tape, and makes it easy to remove.

[@SonOfTamriel]

Looks like hockey tape... ha! Curious if AIO sleeving would work like CableMod supplies for computer builds.

[@nkenchington6575]

90s Benz boys in the houuussssee!!!

[@free5370]

Hi man! I'm not sure if you will see this but perhaps someone else will that could give me some insight, im doing my timing chains on my vr6 mk4 12v.. I got everything done and I'm assembling the shifter rod back in, the only thing I'm confused about it the whole shifter rod came out when I was taking it out along with a little wire and I can't find where it connects too, does anyone have a guide or info where I can find where it plugs? Thank you!

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Mk4 R32 is the wire the reverse light? Feel free to email me some pics

[@free5370]

HumbleMechanic I will do that right now! Thank you so much

[@free5370]

HumbleMechanic I sent you an email with some pictures, thank you so very much! This is the last thing I need to figure out before starting up the vr6!

[@scottydoesntknow254]

How many roles did you use?

[@HumbleMechanic]

2 I think... maybe 3

[@welcometoreality3450]

Try silicone tape, love it

[@free5370]

Still patiently waiting to see the wookie start.. Patiently! Hurry up

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Mk4 R32 I know!!! Good/bad thing is im tracking so much in September I haven't been able to work on her. :(

[@free5370]

HumbleMechanic we will be here when the time comes around, we've now waiting a year.. we can wait a little longer haha! Can't wait tho man!

[@michaelrivera652]

So I blame you for me buying a project car lol. I love it. Should I be afraid of pulling the harness and repairing it? Will I need to remove engine?

[@HumbleMechanic]

You may not need to pull the whole thing. Just portions of it as needed. I wouldn’t pull the engine, just he harness.

[@michaelrivera652]

Wish me luck I’m doing it tomorrow.

[@Oldcoinsandstuff1]

I'm trying to find a vid on wire color and why they have stripes.

[@notipster]

I'm not sure if you will find a standard specific color code use across the industry between different manufacturers. The reason for the stripes is to give more combination configurations. Three yellows in the same harness would be a nightmare to tell which one was for what. You will also see numbers on the insulation as well. On a schematic you will see yellow white 459 for a description so you know what to look for.

[@30YearOldBunta]

this gave me the confidence to cut into my crusty ass harness

[@jackster7849]

I like! I'm sure this is my problem. Or ECM.I mistakenly attached a purple turn on wire into a purple wire and a white and black wire for my clock,for turn on wire for an after market amp, I dont know why I did the white and black,but I only attached it to the purple wire.And I attached speaker wire to front and back speaker wires,which turned out to be the wrong color wires for the front right and rear left wire.My 2003 camry 2.4 xle JBL audio system has purple and pink wire for the left front speaker and green and blue for the right.i assumed the r speaker was purple and pink,so I attached the speaker wire for both speakers. Actually,the right speaker uses green and blue.Also,the rear right wires for the speaker are red and white,I attached speaker wire to both rear speakers,but actually the left is black and yellow. I frayed off the insulation of all these wires and attached the speaker wire directly to ALL the wires.Once I attached my power wire from battery to amp,it sparked at amp,but did not blow in line fuse of power wire.I sure made a mess of things.Either my ECM is now bad,but there are no burn mark's on ECM,or the wiring I attached the white and black and purple,of my clock to turn on the amp are bad or the front right red and white wires are bad and the left rear red and white are bad.I attached all these wires behind my radio at dash.Question:if you understand everything,if you dont,I completely understand. Should I make new connections to the wires I mistakenly cut into? (Front right and left rear) Thank you so much!

[@jaydev4291]

i'm trying to fix my wiring harness right now but no mechanic in the memphis area knows how to fix it since it's so old. i have a 1995 pontiac firebird 3.4L engine. and my mom says i have to scrap it. but the wiring harness and the windshield motor are the only two things that are wrong with the car so i've just been trying to watch youtube videos to see if i can try to fix it myself. i really don't want to let this car go.

[@SamFisherK]

It will have the impact on performance when these striped wires shortening on crankshaft position sensor.

[@alakrang.7775]

Where can I buy a piece of engine wire?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I generally get it from the dealer.

[@victoriabiggs2633]

Noob question: at 7:52, you repair the sliced sheathing by cutting and crimping a butt connector. Providing none/not many wires are cut also, why not leave the original wire intact and only use liquid tape to seal the gap?

[@jimi6316]

Watches video, sees tape... Dusts off the boots and hockey kit. Oh yeah, the car "Dang it" back to the loom