Question about aftermarket stuff...

[Modo Innovations]

When you buy something that has a simple wiring harness, 1,2 or 3 wires and they supply the wiring, do you use their wiring or use your own? I always throw their stuff away, What do you do?

[mpozzi]

It depends on the component you're replacing. Some aftermarket parts have connectors that are designed to fit with the replacement mating connectors and not the OEM ones. Parts like alternators usually fall into this category if there's a replacement pigtail harness in the box.

When in doubt, read the instructions that came with the part and see if using the accompanying harness is critical. There may be supplemental instructions for addition of special dielectric grease and other corrosion inhibitors. And if the instructions don't address this, call the manufacturer of the part and ask.

I don't leave out supplemental and replacement wiring connectors or harnesses if they're supplied as electrical connections can be very critical. If there's too much clearance between the terminals, it can open this area for corrosion which increases the electrical resistance. This will increase the amperage, or electrical "heat", and too much heat will cause electrical overload and a possible fire.

By using your OEM wiring harness and connectors with an aftermarket electrical part, those connectors may look good yet not be a correct fit for each other.

Hope this info helps and good luck.

Mary Pozzi

[Modo Innovations]

I didn't think about stuff like that.
Where this post came from...I was cleanining out some stuff and I found a bunch of speaker wire, 1 wire runs like from pwr antennas and stuff like that. I just throw away stuff like that because usually its is cheap wire that they just put in the box. I have always tried to run the best wire I could afford.

[mpozzi]

Hi Shannon,

In the case of speaker wire, you're probably better off discarding their stuff if you've got better quality electrical wiring and connectors already in the car.

You're on track . . .

Mary P.