Rewiring a vehicle
From Crankshaft Coalition Wiki
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
When completely rewiring a vehicle there are a few things that must be determined beforehand. First, one must decide if a prefabricated harness will be used, or if a custom harness will be made from scratch. In any case, the harness should be assembled into groups and cut within a reasonable distance to the right length, while leaving extra wire to account for routing. | When completely rewiring a vehicle there are a few things that must be determined beforehand. First, one must decide if a prefabricated harness will be used, or if a custom harness will be made from scratch. In any case, the harness should be assembled into groups and cut within a reasonable distance to the right length, while leaving extra wire to account for routing. | ||
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! Accessory !! Amp!!Accessory!!Amp | ! Accessory !! Amp!!Accessory!!Amp | ||
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|Power windows||20|| Power antenna||10 | |Power windows||20|| Power antenna||10 | ||
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| Electric fuel Pump||15 | | Electric fuel Pump||15 | ||
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The fuse requirement and wire gauge has to take the accessory load into consideration. Using too small of a wire can let a wire burn even though the accessory load matches the fuse rating. Using too 'big' of a fuse can let a wire burn even if the wire gauge matches the load. | The fuse requirement and wire gauge has to take the accessory load into consideration. Using too small of a wire can let a wire burn even though the accessory load matches the fuse rating. Using too 'big' of a fuse can let a wire burn even if the wire gauge matches the load. | ||
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Whatever system approach you take, test for functionality, correct any errors you may find. | Whatever system approach you take, test for functionality, correct any errors you may find. | ||
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Fuse links, unlike fuses, do not just blow -- something major is wrong! And, it was wrong long enough to melt wire -- unlike a 5 amp radio fuse that sees a 7-amp spike and opens a few times a year. It took a 50, 70 or 100 amp short of a few seconds/minutes to melt the link -- not a small issue. Find out why! | Fuse links, unlike fuses, do not just blow -- something major is wrong! And, it was wrong long enough to melt wire -- unlike a 5 amp radio fuse that sees a 7-amp spike and opens a few times a year. It took a 50, 70 or 100 amp short of a few seconds/minutes to melt the link -- not a small issue. Find out why! | ||
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In either case, a maxi and fuse link do the same job -- a 70-amp maxi is the same as a 70-amp link. What is important on either is to never install them inside a passenger compartment. They do their job by heating and melting, and can cause fires to interior parts, melt plastic parts, and create toxic fumes in a closed compartment. Always install them in the engine bay away from fuel, hydraulic, or other flammables. | In either case, a maxi and fuse link do the same job -- a 70-amp maxi is the same as a 70-amp link. What is important on either is to never install them inside a passenger compartment. They do their job by heating and melting, and can cause fires to interior parts, melt plastic parts, and create toxic fumes in a closed compartment. Always install them in the engine bay away from fuel, hydraulic, or other flammables. | ||
− | While some wiring harnesses recommend the main power come off the starter live connection, running the wire straight to a single insulated battery terminal post can be a better way to go. Such a case would be an off-road vehicle where water or mud could cause problems if the main power wire is connected to the | + | While some wiring harnesses recommend the main power come off the starter live connection, running the wire straight to a single insulated battery terminal post can be a better way to go. Such a case would be an off-road vehicle where water or mud could cause problems if the main power wire is connected to the start |
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