How To T Into ECU Wiring
How To T Into ECU Wiring
Author
Discussion

redgriff500

Original Poster:

28,982 posts

293 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
I regularly fit piggyback controllers to car ECU's and need to T into various wires.

I'm unwilling to use scotchlocks as they are unreliable and currently I'm stripping the insulation with a razor blade and soldering the new wire in which takes a while and is awkward when the ECU's are in the footwell.

When manufacturers T into wires they use a crimp connector any idea where I get them from I've tried motor factors and Maplin to no avail.

Also there must be an easier way to strip wire (in the middle NOT the ends) than using a razor.

Thanks


MrLou

879 posts

251 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
Get a crimp set from eBay, Toolstation, Screwfix or Halfords.

Cut the wire, strip the insulation, fit the appropriate connector.


redgriff500

Original Poster:

28,982 posts

293 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
Thanks but for reliability and ease of returning to std I don't want to cut the feed wire.

MrLou

879 posts

251 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
redgriff500 said:
Thanks but for reliability and ease of returning to std I don't want to cut the feed wire.
But your alternative is to trim off the insulation with a razor blade?

Properly fitted crimp connectors will be as reliable as the original, unless you're a complete ham-fister!

Good luck smile

redgriff500

Original Poster:

28,982 posts

293 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
Ah but I know there are insulation removal tools too !

Plotloss

67,280 posts

300 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
If you're not cutting the wire, how do you get the heatshrink on to cover the solder?

redgriff500

Original Poster:

28,982 posts

293 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
Plotloss said:
If you're not cutting the wire, how do you get the heatshrink on to cover the solder?
Brushable insulation or insulation tape.

Superhoop

4,914 posts

223 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
It may be long winded, but the way you're currently doing things is without a doubt, the best way of doing things - You would find it easire though if you used a wire stripper, as this pushes the insulation back, and is far quicker than cutting it with a razor blade.

As for insulating the repair, I would recommend almalgamting tape, which gives the same level of protection as heatshrink, but without the need to cut the wire

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=4099&...

redgriff500

Original Poster:

28,982 posts

293 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
I'll try the amalgamating tape - I usually use it for emergency hose repairs.

I have a std end feed stripper and tried a friends side feed stripper but thought it was a bit 'violent' and was worried it might damage the wires as some are only 6 strands thick, I was hoping there might be something better.


Big_Dog

995 posts

215 months

Friday 11th June 2010
quotequote all
You might try RS Components, I have bought some pretty clever wire strippers from them in the past.

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAct...