I have an 87 SE 5 spd, i bought the car not running (my own stupidity), i figured it would be an easy fix, but come to find out the entire wiring harness in the dash and to the ecu is all monkey rigged, cut wires taped together, wires burnt together, wires cut and attached to nothing just sitting there.

The car did turn over without a problem but had no spark at all.

I didnt know the wiring harness was the problem when I bought it , I was told it was just the CAS , unfortunately im working on getting the dash off so i can replace the harness (it needs the entire thing). after that im going to compression test the engine and see what numbers i get . either way the harness needs to be replaced. Harness to the engine , to the ecu, to the dash etc, even wires to the chassis harness are cut, and the fuel pump is spliced into a power wire somewhere so its constantly on with the ignition on (not good at all).

I was wondering if anyone in here has replaced the harness themself ? because it seems like its going to be a very hard and time consuming job, in all honesty id rather just get another car without this problem. Ive never ownd a car with such a huge electrical problem. Anyways if anyone can help me out it would be appreciated. I just started on taking the dash off today but it isnt as easy I had hoped.

 

It is very time consuming, but not especially hard. I replaced all the wiring on my s4 - s5 swap. The key is to label EVERY connector on the harness, and to try to do the swap straight thru so that how everything goes is fresh in your mind. Plan on spending a weekend on it. It isn't quite as hard as everyone says, it just takes awhile and requires some patience.

 

well i already took alot of wires and connectors off , and put no labels..... is that bad ?

 

The harness for the engine is not hard. You will have to remove the UIM to get to the injectors. Enen if they are not label they only fit one way (except the injectors). I would estimate 4-6 hr job if you haven't done it before.
As for the dash....I have no idea.

 

Does any one sell a new harness besides the dealer?

 

dont think anyone sells new harness besides the dealer, if u want to get a better deal get a used one someonealready took out or find one at a junkyard, but it will be a real pain... im still in the process of getting my dash off

 

mazda surplus sells it i think.....

 

Wow, you're sadistic!


-Ted