I unbolted the wiper motor, but damn I just cant seem to get a good enough grip on the harness to get it started.

The ABS module just seems to sit too close to the firewall to beable to pull this thing out easy.

 

un-bolt the abs from the frame... VOILA!

 

I was thinkin about that, but i was afraid of bending/kinking one of the connections. If you say so ill give it a shot.

 

If you have 2 people working it out, it would help substantially! One feeding the other pulling and it should be out quickly...

Good luck

Tony

 

Put a little vasoline on the rubber to help it slip into the firewall. Use a long screwdriver and/or crowbar to get the harness in place. Pull from the inside in small tugs. Go outside and check the harness after each tug. It is possible to pull the knot through sideways and its not fun pushing it back out to fix it right.

 

you have to make sure every connection on the inside is disconnected. Then unbolt the abs but don't try to take it out. Next, from the cabin...wiggle the harness and try to push it. Then go inside the engine back and try to wiggle and pull it out. Just repeat this process until it comes out.

 

Ooops, sorry. My instructions were for pulling it back in for installation.

 

Thanks guys, got the idea. Now that I think about it unbolting the ABS module is definatly the step i'm missing.

 

Dont unbolt the abs, it is completely unnecessary. Get a long flathead screw driver and pry the "boot" out of the firewall. Make sure all connections are free on the inside, all of them. Make sure to undo the 10mm bolt that the wiring loom is held to the firewall by(right to the left of the ground wire that connects to the UIM) Then pull the harness out, if you have everything disconnected correctly it shouldnt take more than about 5 minutes max to pull the harness out.

 

There's no reason not to unbolt the ABS in my opinion. I've done it over 100 times and never hurt the unit or a brake line. It'll give you more room to manuever and get your hand and prybar down in there.

It might not be 100% necessary to remove the wiring harness, but to get the harness back in, unbolting the ABS makes it worlds easier.

 

use your strong hand

 

I second these instructions. Don't need to pull the wiper motor or the ABS pump.

For reinstallation use the same flat tip screwdriver to pop the boot back into the firewall. DO NOT USE VASELINE, it swells up the rubber.

I use Windex or Armor All on the boot to get it to pop back into the firewall.

 

Jeff, I'd have to disagree. I've never had that happen and I've used it many times. The vasoline melts off and is gone after about 5-10 minutes of the engine running. I use it on most hoses (vacuum, coolant, etc) to keep the hoses from splitting as they are installed.

 

I guess it depends on the type of rubber, how much you use and how long until you get the car running.

You don't need that much lube IMHO and it melting off just leaves more stuff to make a mess. Try Windex or any glass cleaner, it'll evaporate off pretty much completely.

I wouldn't use Vaseline just because it is messy.

 

yes no yes no yes?

 

Actually, it doesn't drip; it just evaporates with heat (unless you glop it on or something). Just a very thin layer is all that's needed with that stuff.