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Essential Things To Know About Wiring Connectors

What Are Engine Wiring Connectors?

An engine wiring connector is an assembly of three major components such as a lug, plastic body known as a socket, and wire, together they make a wiring connector. The wiring connectors connect to various components that need electricity to function. Connectors can hold wires from one to a hundred or more depending on the size of the wire. A large number of wires are known as wiring loom or wiring harness. The harness starts at the engine and connects to the fuse box, from this electrical module or a relay. Individual wiring harnesses are attached to individual control units. The wiring connectors play an important role in connecting a number of important components of a vehicle. Most connectors are either male containing one or more pins (lugs) or female containing holes in which the male connector can be inserted.

Types Of Engine Wiring Connectors

Engine wiring connectors come in various sizes, shape, depending on the model of the car, type of lug in the connector, components for which connectors are needed, these are a few things to remember. As we have different types of sockets so do, we have different kinds of lugs or pins. Mostly they are,

 

  • Butt Splice Connectors
  • C Tap Compression Connectors
  • Closed-End Crimp Connectors
  • Ferrule Kits
  • Ferrules
  • Fork Terminals
  • Insulated Multi-Tap Connectors
  • Lug Compression Connectors

Important Features Of Engine Wiring Connectors

The wire connectors to your vehicle’s electrical system are as your blood vessels to your body. They carry electricity, components to the component to make sure that everything runs properly. Wiring connectors are parts used to join two different components, it can be easily removed and refitted, it can withstand engine heat, any electrical components can be easily removed and replaced. Repairing engine wiring connectors is easy and cheap. Wire connectors prevent wires from contacting other wires or metal surfaces, which could cause a dangerous fault or short circuit.

How Do Engine Wiring Connectors Work?

Connectors are used to connect control units, sensors and actuators with the wires of the vehicle. A connector creates a removable and easy-to-install connection between the system. The initial function of the engine wiring connectors is to carry electricity from one component to another. Electricity flows from the battery to these connectors, the supply can be broken if connectors are removed. Wire connectors prevent wires from contacting each other or any other metal surfaces.

Frequent Problem With Engine Wiring Connectors

Problems can occur in any wiring connectors and sometimes even have to replace the connector completely frequent problem with engine wiring connectors can be engine not starting, due to connector loose fitted, or water in connector, lug in connector bend or broken, wire not crimped properly in lug, low quality of connector used, connector of the wrong size used, broken wire in connector, damaged connector can cause minor electrical short circuit, rusty lug in connector. These are some of the problems with wiring connectors.

Tools Needed For Engine Wiring Connectors

Getting your hands dirty is certainly part of every DIY project but with this guide you can rest assured as all the tools mentioned can be easily found in your local store or if you look carefully you might just find them in your father’s shed:


  • Crimping Tool
  • Crimping And Soldering
  • Snipper Tool
  • Special Tool To Remove Lug

Top Brands Of Engine Wiring Connectors

Most of the people have a nature to avoid risk and seek safety. That is the reason why they would go with a familiar auto parts brand than a new one. It would prove to be safe and they know what to expect. Have a look at our top brands for Wiring Connectors.


MSD Ignition Wiring Connectors

Related Parts of Engine Wiring Connectors

It is very important to arm yourself with information before you shop any auto part. We are here to help you dive deep into the names of the Engine Wiring Connectors.


  1. Alternator - This part generates electricity which is needed to charge the battery. The alternator ensures that the battery maintains its power.
  2. Battery - The battery supplies all of the power to keep the entire electrical system running.
  3. The Fuse Box - The purpose of the fuse box is to stop the electrical current if it becomes too strong, thereby avoiding an electrical fire.
  4. Wiring Harness - The wire harness carries the current from the engine to the various different electrical components of the car, including the engine, to the overhead light, to instrument panel and hundreds of other important components. Wiring harness is an organized set of wires, terminals, and connectors that run throughout the entire vehicle and transmits information and electric power.
  5. Connectors - Wire connectors prevent wires from contacting other wires or exposed metal surfaces, which could cause a dangerous fault or short circuit. Wire connectors make the connection between two or more electrical wires. They are usually known as male and female connectors. Connectors come in a variety of sizes, shapes, complexities and quality levels.
  6. Lug - Lug is crimped in the wire making the fitment tight and then it is inserted in the connector. Lug can be fitted as many holes are in the connector. There are many types of lugs. Lugs are made from aluminum or copper and brass.

Total Cost And Repair Time For Engine Wiring Connectors

Cost and repair time depend on how big the connector is. For example, connectors for ECU have approximately 100 wires to replace this, it would take more time and money. Whereas small connectors would take less time and cost. Connectors can cost from $200 to $600. lugs are cheaper depending on their quality. It may cost around $2 to $5 for a single piece.

How To Change Engine Wiring Connectors

  • Engine wiring connectors are very cheap, easy to be replaced or repaired.
  • If you have a proper tool, you can repair it on your own.
  • Depending on the fault, repair should be done. Before you start to proceed, make sure to disconnect the battery terminal.
  • If the connector is damaged, replacing the connector would be different than repairing wiring or changing the connector lug.
  • If you are replacing damaged wire connector make sure to have the proper connector of the same size and model of the car.
  • The connector may contain few wires. Make a note of which wire is inserted in which hole. You can even take a photograph of it.
  • These wires have different colors and sizes. Make sure while fitting, you fit the wires in the proper holes as of the old connector.
  • Take the special tool to remove all the wire lugs by pulling out each wire from each hole.
  • If for any reason, the wire breaks, it can be repaired by placing the same type of lug in the wire and crimping it with the crimping tool.
  • When all wires are removed from the old wiring connector, check the lugs, if damaged or rusty. Replace it by crimping the new one.
  • Start inserting the lug in the new wiring socket in the places from where they were removed.
  • Check the wires for fitment.

If everything is okay, your work is done.

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John Framigllia
Technical Writer
Our technical writer is known for simplifying automotive parts and services. Intuitive with various vehicles and manufacturers, he knows how to simplify complicated problems.