Engine Wiring Harness Replacement w Pictures

[martattack]

Tomorrow afternoon after work, I'm going to embark on this journey. Thanks to someone from this forum, I got a hold of a new engine wiring harness for a good deal. Going to install it tomorrow. I will keep updated with pictures. It should only take a few hours to install from what I hear.

Here it is in all it's glory before being installed:

http://202tech.mkosonen.com/misc/harness1.jpg

http://202tech.mkosonen.com/misc/harness2.jpg

http://202tech.mkosonen.com/misc/harness3.jpg


This harness will be replacing my old harness with disintegrated insulation, exposed wire, and brittle connectors. Here is a pic of a coilpack wire:

http://202tech.mkosonen.com/misc/wires1.jpg

Tomorrow will be a goodbye to the old, and in with the new.

I will keep you updated with this latest battle.

[misterblack]

my coil pack wires look the same......changing my harness this winter. Very interested in your pics, thanks for posting!

[c280nz]

Good luck man,
And well done on your site, its cool as :cool:

[Sulaco]

I am in dire need of a harness too. My car hasn't lost the ability to run properly, but it's most certainly suffering. As soon as I get the cash (being a full-time college student) I'm getting a harness also.

Job should be easy! Keep us informed on any little issues we should keep in mind if we do this same DIY.

[manny]

An EMPTY case of " Bud Light " is not going to get you any help. :D

[jnenad16]

Originally posted by manny
An EMPTY case of " Bud Light " is not going to get you any help. :D
LOL

[nikhajar202]

Can anyone tell me what good it is to change the engine harness... Is there any change in performance or is it just to give the car's heart some fresh wires?

[stox]

On most cars, you would never change the harness unless there was a fire or bad acccident. Sadly, for cars built in 94 and 95, MB used a new plastic, in the harness, that degrades over time. If your car is of that vintage, and the harness has not been replaced, you will probably need to do so in the future.

[Sulaco]

Originally posted by nikhajar202
Can anyone tell me what good it is to change the engine harness... Is there any change in performance or is it just to give the car's heart some fresh wires?

I can't say from experience, but I'll guess it's a bit of both.

For instance, with my 94 and the 94 of another member here, there's always been some ridiculous cranking and idling problem that NOTHING seems to fix. His new harness makes his car crank like it's brand new, while mine still has to turn for a good 10 seconds before it fires.

Plus you'd probably see a difference in power, response, fuel economy, and idle stability.

Someone please tell me I'm right so I can feel so much more excited and satisfied about spending $767 on a new harness for my M104 W202.

[nikhajar202]

767 for a harness? :confused:
woohoo thats a price to pay...how often d o you have to change those...is it only after they're bad?

[jnenad16]

Originally posted by Sulaco
while mine still has to turn for a good 10 seconds before it fires.
that could just be a failing crank sensor.
plus, new harness will not increase the performance, that all depends on the condition of the sensors, switches and injectors. the smooth running might come back, but once again it depends on sensors, switches, injectors and vacuums.
I replaced the harness and computers on my C280 after they burned with the harness and computers from another 95 C280 and it still works flawlessly(the lady that bought it has no complaints, except for the ac :D ). It cost me $0 and few hours of my time.

nenad

[martattack]

Ok, so everything went pretty well! Got the harness swapped out and it started the first time! There is no check engine light yet either.

I've got most of the write-up done, but I've been really busy. I'll get the write-up done soon.

[Sulaco]

Originally posted by jnenad16
that could just be a failing crank sensor.


Well it's been doing it for about 5 years now. Are you referring to a "crank" sensor that is soley based on "cranking" the car (ie, NOT ON THE CRANKSHAFT ITSELF)?

[benzaddict]

Originally posted by BoominBenz
Ok, so everything went pretty well! Got the harness swapped out and it started the first time! There is no check engine light yet either.

I've got most of the write-up done, but I've been really busy. I'll get the write-up done soon.

Good job man, glad to hear it went ok. BTW, I took care of the air mass core, no hassles. Later....

[martattack]

Originally posted by benzaddict
Good job man, glad to hear it went ok. BTW, I took care of the air mass core, no hassles. Later....

Thanks alot man. I appreciate all that you did for me! Also glad to find out all the maintenance that has been done!

martin

[jnenad16]

Originally posted by Sulaco
Well it's been doing it for about 5 years now. Are you referring to a "crank" sensor that is soley based on "cranking" the car (ie, NOT ON THE CRANKSHAFT ITSELF)?
its the one located in the back of the engine, in front of the trans, below the oil filter housing.

nenad

[rhiyun703]

I am interested in seeing the write up for this procedure. Dealer just told me its about time I changed mine...

[Rocky]

it's not hard.

just lay out the harness roughly on top of the old one and unplug and plug one at a time.

just need a little tiome and patience.

[Denlasoul]

Originally posted by rhiyun703
I am interested in seeing the write up for this procedure. Dealer just told me its about time I changed mine...
Here's a How-to from a Member with a 96 C36 (http://www.club202.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=987&highlight=wiring+harness)