Car Wiring/Splice
Discussion
Hi All,
I'm 3/4 of the way through retro-fitting heated seats to my Porsche 997 Turbo - it's been a pain in the arse and I wish I hadn't started but there you go, i'm almost there now. I have made the install as OEM as possible, OEM heating pads, all correct connectors, wire colours, etc. but I've come across a small issue with the final power supply.
The heated seats share power with the Washer Fluid Pump, and officially the 3 power wires (pump, plus left and right seats) come from the Control Unit under the steering wheel and route off separately (but from the same plug) and connect somewhere under the dash and then a big 6mm wire connects off to a big fuse. Issue is I cannot locate, see or get to this connecting point (Porsche call it a 'weld') so I need to try and barry the final bit.
Where I am confused is on two bits:
1) The pump uses 1.0mm wire and the heated seats use 1.5mm wire. The only way I can see of finishing this piece is to connect the heated seats directly into the pump wire but does the different wire size give me an issue to consider?
2) Assuming it is ok, what is the best way of connecting them. I can't solder so figured spade connectors using a 3 into 1 spade block was pretty secure.
What can go wrong?
I'm 3/4 of the way through retro-fitting heated seats to my Porsche 997 Turbo - it's been a pain in the arse and I wish I hadn't started but there you go, i'm almost there now. I have made the install as OEM as possible, OEM heating pads, all correct connectors, wire colours, etc. but I've come across a small issue with the final power supply.
The heated seats share power with the Washer Fluid Pump, and officially the 3 power wires (pump, plus left and right seats) come from the Control Unit under the steering wheel and route off separately (but from the same plug) and connect somewhere under the dash and then a big 6mm wire connects off to a big fuse. Issue is I cannot locate, see or get to this connecting point (Porsche call it a 'weld') so I need to try and barry the final bit.
Where I am confused is on two bits:
1) The pump uses 1.0mm wire and the heated seats use 1.5mm wire. The only way I can see of finishing this piece is to connect the heated seats directly into the pump wire but does the different wire size give me an issue to consider?
2) Assuming it is ok, what is the best way of connecting them. I can't solder so figured spade connectors using a 3 into 1 spade block was pretty secure.
What can go wrong?
Jefferson Steelflex said:
2) Assuming it is ok, what is the best way of connecting them. I can't solder so figured spade connectors using a 3 into 1 spade block was pretty secure.
The more connectors you have the more problematic you can expect it to be. If you want a permanent connection (ie it does not need to be disconnected in future to let you work on something) then either a crimp or soldered splice with a heatshrink cover are your best options. There are inexpensive splice connectors which combine a heatshrink sleeve with heat setting sealant and low temperature solder which you can make just be stripping and cleaning the wires, putting the ends into the connector and holding a flame under it until the solder melts and flows. You really can't get much simpler, and it makes a good permanent and durable joint. Or use a crimp connector instead - done properly they also make a good, permanent a durable joint when covered with a heatshrink sleeve.Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff