Where To Buy Connectors, Pins, Leads, Clips, Seals & Terminals
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Date: 2024-09-13
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Comments and reviews: 20
nzcyclone
Great video Mr O. I do not see why you would have to stock every type of connector in existance as well simply put you couldn't But you could have say 3 or 4 of the most generic sizes. If a connector goes bad. Sure the manufactures would like you to replace like for like. But, really, do you actually have too I doubt it. If a connector is corroded out and damaged beyond repair and is say a waterproof type then as long as you replace it with a waterproof type then. What is the difference. It is still connecting two wires together. Ok you have not replaced like for like so therefore the vehicle warranty is breached you say True, But then in 99% of cases the vehicle is out of warranty anyways so is irrelevant. And if the vehicle is still under warranty. Then it is a warranty job. These manufactures are so good at changing sockets and connectors to tie you into their system. But, really, At the end of the day what is it a connector which connects a series of wires to another series of wires to complete the circuit. The wire does not care if is the same style or type of plug or not it only cares about being connected. Keep safe and well everyone.
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Great video Mr O. I do not see why you would have to stock every type of connector in existance as well simply put you couldn't But you could have say 3 or 4 of the most generic sizes. If a connector goes bad. Sure the manufactures would like you to replace like for like. But, really, do you actually have too I doubt it. If a connector is corroded out and damaged beyond repair and is say a waterproof type then as long as you replace it with a waterproof type then. What is the difference. It is still connecting two wires together. Ok you have not replaced like for like so therefore the vehicle warranty is breached you say True, But then in 99% of cases the vehicle is out of warranty anyways so is irrelevant. And if the vehicle is still under warranty. Then it is a warranty job. These manufactures are so good at changing sockets and connectors to tie you into their system. But, really, At the end of the day what is it a connector which connects a series of wires to another series of wires to complete the circuit. The wire does not care if is the same style or type of plug or not it only cares about being connected. Keep safe and well everyone.
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autorepair
I take a slightly different approach.
Instead of attempting to 'restore' it all to OEM specs by loading in a new pin / socket into an existing connector, I install a stand alone plug & socket (typically a Deutsch DTM as I have these in stock) to carry any conductors that need repair.
Obviously, this doesn't work too well at the very ENDS of the cable run (e. g. the final plug / socket connector on an ABS sensor) because if that sensor is ever replaced, you'd now have the wrong connector. However, for the BULK inline connectors (such as the one in this video, that primarily connect two separate wiring harnesses together, and neither harness is EVER likely to be replaced, then it's almost immaterial whether all the conductors are in a single plug / socket, or split across multiple. (Providing any such new plug / socket is similarly suited to the ambient conditions it lives in)
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I take a slightly different approach.
Instead of attempting to 'restore' it all to OEM specs by loading in a new pin / socket into an existing connector, I install a stand alone plug & socket (typically a Deutsch DTM as I have these in stock) to carry any conductors that need repair.
Obviously, this doesn't work too well at the very ENDS of the cable run (e. g. the final plug / socket connector on an ABS sensor) because if that sensor is ever replaced, you'd now have the wrong connector. However, for the BULK inline connectors (such as the one in this video, that primarily connect two separate wiring harnesses together, and neither harness is EVER likely to be replaced, then it's almost immaterial whether all the conductors are in a single plug / socket, or split across multiple. (Providing any such new plug / socket is similarly suited to the ambient conditions it lives in)
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DanielPace92
I had a similar issue a little while back on trying to get terminated leads. I needed to run an extra wire into the front doors on my Ram but I didn't want a loose wire hanging out in the door jamb. So I went and looked up the door harness connectors and it only showed one side had terminated leads for $30 a 10 pack. But to get the other side it said it was serviced by buying a complete connector kit for $120. I didn't want to buy an entire connector kit just for a couple terminals. Would be cheaper to buy a used door harness to get the terminals over that kit.
So I ended looking at other dash connectors and I found another connector that was the same type with the same pins and it actually listed the terminated leads for both sides. Ordered them and they worked perfectly. Don't know why it listed both male and female terminated leads for one connector and not the other.
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I had a similar issue a little while back on trying to get terminated leads. I needed to run an extra wire into the front doors on my Ram but I didn't want a loose wire hanging out in the door jamb. So I went and looked up the door harness connectors and it only showed one side had terminated leads for $30 a 10 pack. But to get the other side it said it was serviced by buying a complete connector kit for $120. I didn't want to buy an entire connector kit just for a couple terminals. Would be cheaper to buy a used door harness to get the terminals over that kit.
So I ended looking at other dash connectors and I found another connector that was the same type with the same pins and it actually listed the terminated leads for both sides. Ordered them and they worked perfectly. Don't know why it listed both male and female terminated leads for one connector and not the other.
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stevenkroot31
The connector pin systems are getting so specialized and so specific it would be impossible to stock all the different pins and crimping tools. I work for a major electronic supplier to the auto industry. Working on a project for GM called global A BCM, GM specified a Molex connector system which was new, the crimping tool which was the only tool available which would make the crimp correctly cost $1500. We had one on loan from GM because you couldn’t buy it on the open market. I had to write the purchase order request for $25, 000 for pins and seal and shells and locks, about 100 different part numbers to make the wire harnesses for all of the test fixtures, load boxes, etc. trying to stock all of those bits and pieces would be a complete waste unless it was all you do all day every day. It sounds like a good business model for a company.
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The connector pin systems are getting so specialized and so specific it would be impossible to stock all the different pins and crimping tools. I work for a major electronic supplier to the auto industry. Working on a project for GM called global A BCM, GM specified a Molex connector system which was new, the crimping tool which was the only tool available which would make the crimp correctly cost $1500. We had one on loan from GM because you couldn’t buy it on the open market. I had to write the purchase order request for $25, 000 for pins and seal and shells and locks, about 100 different part numbers to make the wire harnesses for all of the test fixtures, load boxes, etc. trying to stock all of those bits and pieces would be a complete waste unless it was all you do all day every day. It sounds like a good business model for a company.
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ttiwkram
Thanks for the info, Eric.
My favorite connector supplier is my local junkyard. I rarely check out without at least a couple, and I almost always get them for free. When I lay them on the counter, the guys pretty much laugh at me and send me on my way. I like to think they appreciate the honesty of my not just stuffing the parts into my pockets.
On a separate issue, it would be great if manufacturers standardized their connectors. I often find myself feeling a connector that's installed way out of sight and barely reachable, and trying to figure out if it needs to be squeezed, or pried, or twisted, or just pulled (or whatever) in order to disconnect it. Now that they've been building cars that have wires for over 100 years, maybe it's time for a consistent disconnect/reconnect mechanism.
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Thanks for the info, Eric.
My favorite connector supplier is my local junkyard. I rarely check out without at least a couple, and I almost always get them for free. When I lay them on the counter, the guys pretty much laugh at me and send me on my way. I like to think they appreciate the honesty of my not just stuffing the parts into my pockets.
On a separate issue, it would be great if manufacturers standardized their connectors. I often find myself feeling a connector that's installed way out of sight and barely reachable, and trying to figure out if it needs to be squeezed, or pried, or twisted, or just pulled (or whatever) in order to disconnect it. Now that they've been building cars that have wires for over 100 years, maybe it's time for a consistent disconnect/reconnect mechanism.
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atikovi1
30 bucks for a ten pack of terminals Good grief! You can buy them from electronics suppliers like Mouser, Digi-Key, Arrow, Newark, etc. for 20 cents each. And connectors themselves for $2 or $3. You do have to do some research with oem part numbers to connector part numbers, but if you need a lot of them, it’s worth the trouble. Was rebuilding a Chevy flood car and needed four connectors and their terminals. GM dealer wanted over $300 for everything. Ordered from Mouser for under $50.
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30 bucks for a ten pack of terminals Good grief! You can buy them from electronics suppliers like Mouser, Digi-Key, Arrow, Newark, etc. for 20 cents each. And connectors themselves for $2 or $3. You do have to do some research with oem part numbers to connector part numbers, but if you need a lot of them, it’s worth the trouble. Was rebuilding a Chevy flood car and needed four connectors and their terminals. GM dealer wanted over $300 for everything. Ordered from Mouser for under $50.
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joeroggenbeck8444
Retired GM electrical harness Engineer here. The white colored piece you are referring to inside the bottom of the connector is called a TPA which stands for Terminal Placement Assurance. Connectors are designed so that when assembled incorrectly, they will not seat without excessive force. You were correct in removing it for the terminal replacement. If the terminal was not properly installed, the TPA would not have seated and the connector would not secure to its mating half.
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Retired GM electrical harness Engineer here. The white colored piece you are referring to inside the bottom of the connector is called a TPA which stands for Terminal Placement Assurance. Connectors are designed so that when assembled incorrectly, they will not seat without excessive force. You were correct in removing it for the terminal replacement. If the terminal was not properly installed, the TPA would not have seated and the connector would not secure to its mating half.
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nickhyslop5743
Wish this video came out a couple years ago. Had a broken wire for the harness clip for the brake peddle switch went to Chevy to buy a new terminal to depin it and make the repair but they didn’t even list the male end. Had to buy a new harness for it for $120. New harness came with all white wires and twice as thick wire so you could use the but connectors it came with. Factory wires were like 24 gauge and the new wires were like 14 or 16 gauge.
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Wish this video came out a couple years ago. Had a broken wire for the harness clip for the brake peddle switch went to Chevy to buy a new terminal to depin it and make the repair but they didn’t even list the male end. Had to buy a new harness for it for $120. New harness came with all white wires and twice as thick wire so you could use the but connectors it came with. Factory wires were like 24 gauge and the new wires were like 14 or 16 gauge.
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austinjames3525
Im a parts guy and work at a Chrysler dealership and so many connectors are only serviced in harness. We replace harnesses instead of just rewiring terminals like you do because the service manager doesn’t wanna do it that way. Kinda sucks when you have to make a 1500 dollar estimate for harness replacement because we don’t wanna repin or hardwire something that will never come apart again. I like the way you do it Eric!
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Im a parts guy and work at a Chrysler dealership and so many connectors are only serviced in harness. We replace harnesses instead of just rewiring terminals like you do because the service manager doesn’t wanna do it that way. Kinda sucks when you have to make a 1500 dollar estimate for harness replacement because we don’t wanna repin or hardwire something that will never come apart again. I like the way you do it Eric!
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onenuttybuddy
Eric,
Do people still use mouse pads I guess you do if you still use the original plug-in mouse. Most folks likely still use them. No batteries required. With the new optical mouse, your tabletop, desktop, kitchen countertop, the toilet bowl tank top, will all work just fine. When you are need to click on-the-go, get yourself an optical mouse Not a sponsor of this comment.
Nice follow-up Mr. O.
Alan from NC
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Eric,
Do people still use mouse pads I guess you do if you still use the original plug-in mouse. Most folks likely still use them. No batteries required. With the new optical mouse, your tabletop, desktop, kitchen countertop, the toilet bowl tank top, will all work just fine. When you are need to click on-the-go, get yourself an optical mouse Not a sponsor of this comment.
Nice follow-up Mr. O.
Alan from NC
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kennethfoster2141
I think I came across them a week ago, replacing my hazy headlights. The replacement had the side marker light extra, not a side window on the park/turn signal blub. I didn't want to hassle with a picture and the new headlight came with bulbs, so after looking at pictures and prices, I decided on solder and hot wire. 07 Ram 2500 5. 9 Cummins, she only needs a little love.
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I think I came across them a week ago, replacing my hazy headlights. The replacement had the side marker light extra, not a side window on the park/turn signal blub. I didn't want to hassle with a picture and the new headlight came with bulbs, so after looking at pictures and prices, I decided on solder and hot wire. 07 Ram 2500 5. 9 Cummins, she only needs a little love.
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brucemckelvy9920
Hey Eric. Sorry for interrupting you the other day as we passed through on the motorcyles. i just could not pass through Avoca without at least stopping to say hi. I have not missed one of your posts for years now and find them extremely informative. Your diagnostic skills are second to none. Say hi to Mrs. O and keep up the good work. (The big guy on the scooter)
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Hey Eric. Sorry for interrupting you the other day as we passed through on the motorcyles. i just could not pass through Avoca without at least stopping to say hi. I have not missed one of your posts for years now and find them extremely informative. Your diagnostic skills are second to none. Say hi to Mrs. O and keep up the good work. (The big guy on the scooter)
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adf360
Thank you for this video, I can source aircraft pins connectors but obviously they are useless for fixing cars. If anyone is ever in a pinch, needing heat shrink with sealant, you can place a sliver from a hot glue stick in your heat shrink and it'll do the same thing. The dirtier the glue stick color, the better. Avoid the clear/white, they don't have that 'stiction' you need.
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Thank you for this video, I can source aircraft pins connectors but obviously they are useless for fixing cars. If anyone is ever in a pinch, needing heat shrink with sealant, you can place a sliver from a hot glue stick in your heat shrink and it'll do the same thing. The dirtier the glue stick color, the better. Avoid the clear/white, they don't have that 'stiction' you need.
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lambition
I needed a just shell of connector for my truck so I checked connector experts. $90 for just connector shell No way I'm paying that much money for simple 4 pin connector shell. Pre-wired repair connector is like $10. Often different connectors use same pin inside. So, it might be worth while to save some used connectors around for when you just need a pin out of it.
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I needed a just shell of connector for my truck so I checked connector experts. $90 for just connector shell No way I'm paying that much money for simple 4 pin connector shell. Pre-wired repair connector is like $10. Often different connectors use same pin inside. So, it might be worth while to save some used connectors around for when you just need a pin out of it.
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ruley73
GM terminated leads and connectors can be crazy expensive. In many cases the corresponding harness that includes the connector or terminated leads you need is much cheaper. Just last week at work, I ordered a $60 harness because it was half the price of the connector the guy needed. He was really happy because he didn't need to cut and splice any wires.
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GM terminated leads and connectors can be crazy expensive. In many cases the corresponding harness that includes the connector or terminated leads you need is much cheaper. Just last week at work, I ordered a $60 harness because it was half the price of the connector the guy needed. He was really happy because he didn't need to cut and splice any wires.
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RB-qq1ky
I’ve said it before but I gotta say I’m somewhat jealous that you can even source the pins and patch harnesses, never mind the cost. Around here, we used to keep bits of used harness hanging up on hooks so we there was a good chance we could harvest the correct gauge/colour wire and/or the correct size terminal/connector off one of them.
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I’ve said it before but I gotta say I’m somewhat jealous that you can even source the pins and patch harnesses, never mind the cost. Around here, we used to keep bits of used harness hanging up on hooks so we there was a good chance we could harvest the correct gauge/colour wire and/or the correct size terminal/connector off one of them.
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zeuscarver3112
Some of their prices are out of control. A gm 8 pin connector is almost $100. For a connector that will rarely, if ever, be unplugged again in the cars lifespan I'll just hard wire it for a few cents worth of solder and heat shrink tubing. While its nice this company makes connectors available, it can be cost prohibitive in many cases.
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Some of their prices are out of control. A gm 8 pin connector is almost $100. For a connector that will rarely, if ever, be unplugged again in the cars lifespan I'll just hard wire it for a few cents worth of solder and heat shrink tubing. While its nice this company makes connectors available, it can be cost prohibitive in many cases.
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stephenjackson9555
I retired from a multi-billion $ defense contractor and I can attest that there is no possibility of you having the space necessary to store all of the crimp tools required. Not to mention the high cost of the tooling.
As long as you achieve a good conductor crimp and don’t damage the contact, use whatever works!
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I retired from a multi-billion $ defense contractor and I can attest that there is no possibility of you having the space necessary to store all of the crimp tools required. Not to mention the high cost of the tooling.
As long as you achieve a good conductor crimp and don’t damage the contact, use whatever works!
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smarthome2660
Sorry to burst your bubble but the FTC frowns on quid pro quo, ie goods for a glowing review, to the point it is a federal crime. They can solicite a review, but it can not be compensated. The fact that free mousepad & please review us are on the same package insert, does imply compensation. Don't shoot the messenger.
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Sorry to burst your bubble but the FTC frowns on quid pro quo, ie goods for a glowing review, to the point it is a federal crime. They can solicite a review, but it can not be compensated. The fact that free mousepad & please review us are on the same package insert, does imply compensation. Don't shoot the messenger.
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davedammitt7691
I don't think it has anything to do with whether you can afford a new harness. It's just silly to replace one when you absolutely don't need it. If someone replaces a fuel injector rather than replacing the whole engine, it's not because they can't afford a new engine. It's because they don't need a new engine.
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I don't think it has anything to do with whether you can afford a new harness. It's just silly to replace one when you absolutely don't need it. If someone replaces a fuel injector rather than replacing the whole engine, it's not because they can't afford a new engine. It's because they don't need a new engine.
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