How to replace 6-wire connectors?
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Posting Guru
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From: Wyoming
How to replace 6-wire connectors?
Troubleshooting the cruise control on '82 E-350, I found a wire pulled out of the 6-wire connector that pushes into the cruise "vacuum bell" (for lack of a better term). I hope this is the cause of my on-again/off-again cruise control.
The connector is pretty much a solid chunk of plastic. Doesn't seem to be any way to take it apart and reconnect the wires. I'm not even sure how they were connected in the first place. Does Ford make a replacement connector? The only way I think I could salvage the existing connector is to solder the wires where they go into the brass ferrules on the back side of the piece.
Any suggestions? Take it from me . . . if you want full-time repair work, just buy an old motorhome.
The connector is pretty much a solid chunk of plastic. Doesn't seem to be any way to take it apart and reconnect the wires. I'm not even sure how they were connected in the first place. Does Ford make a replacement connector? The only way I think I could salvage the existing connector is to solder the wires where they go into the brass ferrules on the back side of the piece.
Any suggestions? Take it from me . . . if you want full-time repair work, just buy an old motorhome.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
That's the "cruise servo", and it's pretty easy to service the terminal. They're round, and have 2-3 tabs near their bases that are bent outward slightly to retain them in the plastic connector. You can buy a tool that fits over the pin and compresses all the tabs at once, allowing the terminal to come out of the connector, or you can use a fine probe to reach down beside the pin and bend the tabs in. When the tabs are in, the terminal slips out the back of the connector, and then you can reattach the wire, or crimp a new pin onto the wire. They're available at some parts stores, many electronics supply houses, and possibly Ford or any other dealer.
Alternatively, you could chop one off a junker and splice it onto your harness.
Alternatively, you could chop one off a junker and splice it onto your harness.
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Plan B sounds more likely. Since that post, I have canvassed the electricians where I work, and one mentioned having to do this job once too. He got a new connector from the factory, with pigtails and heat-shrink to splice in onto the harness (this was for a Chebby, however). Just hope Ford stocks this item too.
Thanks for the response, Steve83.
Thanks for the response, Steve83.
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Posting Guru
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From: Wyoming
Figured this one out. The 6 wire connector has a red "plug" in the middle which is removable. Once the plug is out, plastic tabs can be bent towards the middle. The tabs have a bulge which dovetails into the female connectors, locking them in place. With the tab bent inward, the brass connections can be pulled out.
Just soldered the wires back in place and put everything back together. Cruise control works great, but now the radio don't work!
Just soldered the wires back in place and put everything back together. Cruise control works great, but now the radio don't work!
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Meggett SC
Just a thought I have found aftermarket connectors from a company called "Dorman" you can find some of there products at Rockauto.com. I just purchased a new splice in connector for the TFI module on my 1984 F150.
