Wiring question for you Jeep guys

HurtCow · 02-01-2012, 07:29 PM

A friend of mine has a 95 Wrangler that has a fried wiring harness. She asked if it's something I could do and if so she'd pay me to replace the harness. I can fix just about anything mechanical but electrical isn't my strong point.

I did some online research and it seems it's just a matter of plugging everything into the right place. But I know there's lots of Jeep guys on the forum so I figured I'd ask here. I'd never consider replacing the wiring on a Benz or other complex modern car, but Jeeps seem pretty simple and rudimentary. Is it an epic undertaking to replace the harness on one? Anything I need to look out for? I don't want to commit then realize I'm over my head halfway through it.

Thanks for any info/tips/warnings/smug mockery.

Marauder_Pilot · 02-01-2012, 07:33 PM

As long as you find a complete harness, they're pretty much plug-and-pray, from what I've heard.

skipjack289 · 02-01-2012, 08:45 PM

Clarify "wire harness".
Engine?
Dash?
Interior?

Will have to find a picture like above to show how the harness is snaked through and around parts.
Don't be suprised if you have to remove parts so that the harness can pass through.

See if you can get a shop manual off of eBay. Make sure it has the electrical section. Should has pics like above.
Try a Chilton or Hayes book from an aftermarkets parts store.

coldy13 · 02-02-2012, 02:32 AM

The hayes or chilton are alright, but usually not much help with wiring diagrams, and you have to pay for them. If you troll some jeep forums you'll probably find a factory service manual, that'll have complete wiring diagrams. The engine harness is usually not "hard" to replace, but can take quite a bit of time depending how complex it is, '95 jeep should be easy. Dash/interior harnesses are a PITA, but it's still just plug n play, if you get a harness from the exact model. Coathangers and safety wire are very helpful/needed for fishing wires though some places without taking the whole car apart. Take lots of pictures and when you get the old one out lay it next to the new one and check everything to make sure it's the same, much easier to cut and swap connectors if you need to before you start putting it back in.

02-01-2012, 07:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
Marauder_Pilot Thrillin' Heroics Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Whitehorse, Yukon	As long as you find a complete harness, they're pretty much plug-and-pray, from what I've heard. __________________ Glory, glory, what a hell of a way to die, With a rifle in your hands and you're falling through the sky, Glory, glory, what a hell of a way to die, He ain't gonna jump no more!

02-02-2012, 02:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
coldy13 BRaSzEaGuL4LYFe Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: columbus, oh	The hayes or chilton are alright, but usually not much help with wiring diagrams, and you have to pay for them. If you troll some jeep forums you'll probably find a factory service manual, that'll have complete wiring diagrams. The engine harness is usually not "hard" to replace, but can take quite a bit of time depending how complex it is, '95 jeep should be easy. Dash/interior harnesses are a PITA, but it's still just plug n play, if you get a harness from the exact model. Coathangers and safety wire are very helpful/needed for fishing wires though some places without taking the whole car apart. Take lots of pictures and when you get the old one out lay it next to the new one and check everything to make sure it's the same, much easier to cut and swap connectors if you need to before you start putting it back in.