my son cut the wires to the computer in his pontiac 6000. Now what do i do?

Question

My son cut the wires to the computer (emc unit) in his pontiac 6000. Instead of unclipping the clip, he cut the wires. and the major problem is that there are several wires that are the same color. So how do I know what goes where. He has been threatened not to work on cars again. he is 17 by the way.

Answer 1

I want to address only the wire color question......But I can't help myself. When I was 15-17 yo... I must have F-up'ed something at least once a month. That's how you learn....expensive..but educational.

Back to the wire color issue...you will need a wiring diagram for your car...get a Chilton or Haynes manual from your local AutoZ.Oriellys or whatever passes for that in your area.

Most of the harness wires are a primary color with a stripe of a different color. Most of the time, wires on a common circuit, even if connecting to different devices will be the same color. ( The un-switched Positive battery will usually be solid red, and a switched positive lead may red/white stripe and so on. Ground wires are usually the same color, typically Black.) But to be sure of the routing you should use the wiring/routing diagram. You may want pick up a spool # 18 insulated copper stranded lead wire, a box of wire splices for # 14-18 , and a set of crimpers ( for the splices) some electrical tape, marking tape and a sharpie black marker. Of course add a case of your favorite beverage.

Spend some extra time and make the boy fix it himself while you supervise. While he's doing it.. You can tell lies like.

"When I was your age they would have flogged us with a cat-o-nine tails if we hosed up our sea going vessel in such a manner! I made many a lad walk the plank for less an infraction.
You be losing your grog ration for sure, Laddie.

Then be proud he was trying to do it himself.


Yours: Grumpy

Answer 2

Depends on how close to the cpu the cut is. Strip all the wires on both ends with an automatic wire stripper, slip a peice of shrink tube on 1 side of every wire. The ones with identical colors put removable spade terminals on to aid testing if it doesnt work right off. Solder all the ones you can match up then test the ones that you cant. Apply the shrink tube to seal the wires. Most wires will have a different color streak or notches to help identification. Trial and error after that.

Answer 3

Let your son use public transportation till you figure this out, and try checking with a Pontiac technician to see if you can use a break-out-box or a multi meter to identify the wire locations. Otherwise you are going to need to buy a new unit. Good luck,

Answer 4

If the wires weren't moved yet trying putting the harness back up there and see if you can get them alinged right so you know what colors go where, if you have like t of the same colors or whatever. The harness placed back where it was plugged in might still match up correctly, then use a piece of tape and number them off so this way you can splice them and get them where they should go.

Answer 5

Go to a radio shack or auto parts store, ask for heat shield butt connectors. Splice, and heat with something like a regular cigarette lighter to prevent moisture from getting in. that should save you alot of time and money.

Answer 6

I would let him walk for a while and make him fix the wiring.

All you have to do is match the colors together and get some
of those electrical splicers to reattach.

Good luck.

Answer 7

talk to a professional or if the car is still in warrentry trade it in and if it has good insurance tell some one to steal the car and destory it any of thoses are good.

Answer 8

He is 17??? This is his car??? Personally I would let him walk for a while!!!

Answer 9

if you want to do it right replace the wiring harness

Answer 10

Make him walk and make him fix it. He will never learn if he doesn't pay the price of his mistakes.