Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 15:13:34 -0400
Reply-To: Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Anyone Ever Remove/Replace ECU Wiring Harness in a Westy?
In-Reply-To: <BLU404-EAS275137A528753D558E0502CD20A0@phx.gbl>
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I have been having to do this job more and more lately. On a 2wd
Vanagon and even a Westy it isn't too bad although because of the
cabinetry in the Westy, getting the ECU plug out through the hold under
the back seat is a little bit of a chore. With a Syncro you have to
deal with the gas tank being in the way, but again it is doable without
too much trouble.
I start inside the van, unplug the ECU, and unhook the ground by it.
Turn the plug sideways and push it out through the hole in the firewall
under the seat. Then you cut some tie wraps until you come to the
engine bay. Here you will just keep tracing the harness, unplugging
things as you go. It is really pretty simple and not very time
consuming. When you go to put it back, just start at the end of the
harness which is the idle stabilizer control unit behind the passenger
side tail light, and plug things in as you go. If there is something
that doesn't get plugged, investigate that area and you will find it.
Thread it back toward the hole under the rear seat, thread the ECU plug
through the hole, go back and tie wrap the harness to keep it out of the
way of heat and oil. Be sure you have a good ground connection near the
ECU and plug that back in and you are done.
I would recommend a new harness if you can afford it. They are going
for $750, made in the USA. The VW ones were around $1400 new when you
used to be able to get them. A good used harness is usually between
$200-400 and again you don't know how long it is going to last. It
could be good for a long while, or it could crap out tomorrow. That is
always the risk you take with a used part.
The Vanagon engine harnesses are getting old and worn out. The
insulation of the wires is getting brittle and cracking with age, heat
and time. Corrosion is taking it's toll. We are going to see more and
more strange issues over time because of harness problems.
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
On 7/14/2014 2:23 PM, Richard Golen wrote:
> Hi,
>
> The subject line says it all. I'm going to have to replace the engine compartment wiring harness that got fried in my 87 Westy. The job looks straight forward enough in the engine compartment, but it looks like the ECU part of the harness is going to a pain.
>
> From my initial look, it appears that I might have to remove the rear sear and it's lower compartment. Not an easy job by my guess. The other option, as I see it is to cut away the damaged section and splice in a new section.
>
> Has anyone done this and have some suggestions?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Ric
>
> Sent from my iPad
--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
Phone: 856-327-4936
Fax: 856-327-2242
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