OEM Electrical Connectors - Where?

[jamiehamy 0]

Hi all,

 

Looking at my wiring, some of it is getting a bit tired with some splits or loose joins. Ive decided I'd like to start replacing some of it on a rolling basis.

 

Apart from VW dealers, is there any where else that I can source plugs/connectors? I'm not looking for one in particular, but things like the temp sensor plugs and others in the engine bay are what I'd be looking for.

 

I've had a good look online but struggling to find anything. Also, Where is the best place to source the different types of wire that I might need i.e. right thickness and colours etc..?

 

Any ideas?

[Supercharged 2]

Vehicle Wiring Products is one place as most are a standard type of plug...

 

Best off going to VW though really as the quality is better - or MK3 Golf in scrap yard?

[StueyB 0]

I've found Mk3's in scrap yards to be a great source and have found the odd suitable connector on eGay.

[16VG60 1]

The dealer will sell you wires with the trminals required already crimped on. They can sell you all that is required to make a DIY repair possible. If you want to move away from this you will need to purchase terminal extraction tools, terminal crimping tool, terminals, and wire. These tools are specialist items and come at considerable cost. Ok if like myself you run a garage and can justify this expenditure, but as a DIY enthusiast it might stretch your enthusiasm budget too far. All the kit you would require can be purchased from Wurth. This is a trade only supplier, but I could help you here with a contact to deal with, if you are interested? Wire to the correct colour and diameter is another subject altogether. Dealer can not supply this as they are only authorised to make loom repairs in yellow wire, thus identifying easily areas of non OE loom, as a repair. Easiest way for you would be to source an old loom from the breaker and cut out that which you need from it. Hope this helps.

[Kevin Bacon 5]

Jamie, just reuse the existing plug housings and redo the crimp connectors, especially if you're talking about the blue and yellow sender plugs, which I've never seen available through aftermarket resellers.

 

Connectors and seals available here and also the pin extraction tools, which I've used on all Corrado plugs with success - http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/terminalsnonins/mouldingterms.php

 

As John says, you can get much more comprehensive mobile repair crimp tools, extraction sets etc etc but for the DIY hobbyist, they are overkill and hideously marked up.

 

This is an affordable and good quality crimp tool which covers a range of connector types - http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=0485921

 

You can of course use solder, but that tends to make the wire brittle and can cause dry joints which will be a pain in the arse to fault-find later down the line.

 

For joining plain wires together, I recommend heat shrinkable butt connectors - http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/terminalspreins/heatsealterms.php

 

Good luck!

[RW1 0]

If you are prepared to go into Europe....

 

http://www.passatplus.de/umbauteile/stecker/stecker.htm

 

.

[jamiehamy 0]

Thanks all for the replies :)

 

I'm happy to reuse my existing housings, just wasn't sure about how re-useable these were.

 

I'd go to a scrappy, but obv the same problem arises - how to extract the terminals. If I can buy a tool to extract and then refit/recrimp, then i'll be happy.

 

I'm already aware i've made a couple of 'bodgy' fixes and they have been annoying me for a while and want to redo them properly.

 

Thanks again everyone for all the hints, esp for Wurth and VWP - I'd been searching too specifically.

 

Cheers, J :)

 

---------- Post added at 01:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:51 PM ----------

 

Though a link to a link to a link...

 

I found this wee guide.

 

http://www.passatworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288385

 

Perfect. I'm going to have many happy hours over the summer redoing some connectors! The yellow temp sensor has a loose wire so that's first to get redone.

 

Looking to solder as I always feel crimped connections are more prone to coming apart of harbouring green growth in damper areas, but will take each one as it comes.

 

I do reckon wiring is going to be an issue in the next few years so want to keep on top and redo as I spot something looking a bit worn or loose.

[Supercharged 2]

http://the-corrado.net/showthread.php?48862-Laser-VAG-Wiring-Terminal-Tool-3932&highlight=terminal+tool