Wiring experts, help

[95Viper]

I have a suspect bad wire in the harness that connects to the Ignition Control Module(ICM), passenger side below PCM.

I know the pin outs and want to check 2 wires to see if there is a break at the harness or within 6 inches of it. I'm electrically challenged...what tool would I use? I could obviously insert a probe of some sort in the harness end but can you clamp onto the wire 6" up to test continuity or do you need to [******] or cut through the insulation into the wire?

 

[Ulysses]

Very sharp probes. Yes, they will break the insulation, but it will be a very small hole.

 

[Bad_Byte]

I have a suspect bad wire in the harness that connects to the Ignition Control Module(ICM), passenger side below PCM.

I know the pin outs and want to check 2 wires to see if there is a break at the harness or within 6 inches of it. I'm electrically challenged...what tool would I use? I could obviously insert a probe of some sort in the harness end but can you clamp onto the wire 6" up to test continuity or do you need to [******] or cut through the insulation into the wire?

You can use an ohm meter with a real sharp probe that puts a very tiny hole in the insulation. Once the probe is removed you can't even see the hole.

In my opinion and experience you'll be very lucky to find a break in a wire that the insulation is still intact on. I'd say your odds are better at winning the lottery. I'd look more for a broken connector pin or lose connection. I would also check the wires from end to end with an ohm meter (disconnect the ends first) and try moving the harness where you suspect the wire is bad. If the meter fluxuates you may have an intermittent open in the wire.

Hope this helps.

 

[ACELLR8]

Just curious what are the simptoms of the problem making you think that you have a bad wire?

Ed

 

[95Viper]

I'm going to Home Depot?? to buy one of the ohm meters with sharp probes. Is that the right place? Any recommendations for type or model?

Ed, It's a long painful story but it is a speedometer that goes on and off whenever it feels like it. After a lot of research on the wiring, I had my dad in the Viper with wheels off the ground moving at +20 mph, I moved wires and when I got to the ICM (module below PCM) connector the speedometer went on and off as I moved the wires at the harness. Pins 24 and 25 are part of the speedometer system.

 

[Ulysses]

If you have an OHM meter/DVM already, you can pick up the probes at any electronics store.

 

[ROCKET62]

95 - I left a reply per your post re connector C209.

Might be another area to check as I was having some irregular movements or bouncing with the speedo and tach. Per instructions from "Chuck the Wizard Tator", I cleaned every connector under the hood with some starting fluid. Many of those connections were corroded with green junk. In addition to the starting fluid, I used a small finishing nail to clear out the additional junk in the connectors. I then reassembled and sealed the connectors using Di-Electric grease (again per Chucks instructions & available at Autozone).

Since then - Knock on Wood - my speedo problems have been solved. Good Luck.