Wiring Harness Rec?

[clively]

I am about to start a complete build thread but ran across a big problem today. I have a 1980 CJ5 , AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l 6 cylinder & 4-spd manual purchased 09/12. I got all the fluids changed today & know the wiring looks HORRENDOUS throughout the jeep from the PO! Well, I went to go wash out the engine block bottom, Transmission & Transfer Case at the car wash & my headlights quit working! The fog lights work as do the brakes lights & turn signals but no headlights (bright or dim). I honked my horn & an interior light came on on the left side which has never come on before or since. I blew 2 fuses & replaced them but still no headlights.

2nd main issue- I have driven the jeep a few times to my friend's to work on it in the heated garage. When I tried to start it several times today, I'd push in the clutch & turn the key but nothing would happen. I'd thrash about on the clutch with the key turned on and eventually it would kick up & start. I couldn't find a spot on the firewall or on the transmission where I could adjust a sensor so I have no idea what coud be causing this.

Although I wanted to do a wiring harness when I did a total restoration in a few years, is there one ya'll would recommend & would it alleviate all my current & future wiring nightmares? I hate anything electrical but there are cut wires everywhere, things are corroded, & wired up like a crackhead so I'm at ya'lls mercy. All advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[rr41mag]

A majority of your wirig is behind your dash. I took my dash out and hung it up in the house to work on it. The rest of it I tacked to a sheet of plywood. That made for easy labeling.

 

[mylittlecj5]

Look into an EZ Wire harness. I think they sell them on Ebay. Good quality, decent price, and it will make re-wiring your Jeep a lot easier.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Your headlights not working is probably your bright light switch. Pull the plug off and look it may be corroded.

 

[clively]

I replaced the headlight switch mechanism yesterday morning & they worked great. I will check it again in case they worked loose or something. Thanks everyone for the advice.
Any thoughts on a "painless" brand wiring harness?

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

I replaced the headlight switch mechanism yesterday morning & they worked great. I will check it again in case they worked loose or something. Thanks everyone for the advice.
Any thoughts on a "painless" brand wiring harness?

I am looking at the same thing when I go back together with mine, all new painless harness. I think there was a discussion on this recently here but I'm on my phone.


This won't be too expensive Dear! That's what I keep saying. Over and over again.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Any thoughts on a "painless" brand wiring harness?

I think Painless is the best but alot of people here think it cost to much but I go by you get what you pay for.

 

[mylittlecj5]

Not in all cases...I have a Painless harness here, and I have seen and installed EZ wire harnesses. IMHO, in Painless Wiring's case, you do NOT necessarily get what you pay for.





That said, I will be installing the Painless harness in mine. I expect to get out of it much more than what I paid for it...nothing! I already know that I will be re-doing a bunch of it already.

 

[gert]

I spent the big bucks and got the painless, I liked that it has the factory fuse box. I also like their high quality wiring. I also yanked some of the excess wiring out of the engine bay since they make it to work with all engines starters and alternators I happy with my purchase. Your headlights might not be working because you do not have a good ground on your dimmer switch and or corrosion on the wiring connections, this is common due to its location

 

[DLane]

Which painless harness are you guys going with? There's so many options I'm not sure what to get. I see there's CJ5 specific ones but with engine swaps and trying to add some extra goodies (e-fan, stereo, etc) im not sure that's the best route.

 

[gert]

Painless Performance 12-Circuit Jeep CJ Harnesses 10110 - SummitRacing.com I went with this one which is the replacement style harness