2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Wiring melted on 1997 3500

[cowboybarber]

My uncle has a '97 CTD that he uses to pull his horse trailer with. In his horse trailer he has a light rigged up in the dressing room part. To make a long story short, they left the light on while at the horse show last Friday and something went wrong and melted the wiring under his dash.

My question is where can you find a wiring harness to replace all the wires that were melted and how much will this puppy cost?

Any info aprreciated.

Also he got an estimate from a local "mechanic" and he said to get a harness and replace would probably cost around 1500 - 2000 dollars. Does this sound right or is a second opinion in order.

 

[Deezul1]

Price the wiring from the st, oops, dealer but maybe get one from a junkyard. The under dash on these trucks can be hard to access in some places and easy in others. I know the AC stuff is a booger to do but not sure on the wiring. Call around and get labor prices from different shops.

 

[Extreme1]

Where is the wiring melted? (Be specific). If it's the end of the harness at the light switch, there was a recall that added a relay. It comes with a new pigtail to solder on and is complete with shrink tubing. I did mine before it was a recall.



If it is in the harness somewhere, get a used one like Deezul suggested. I don't see how the install could be that bad, it's easier than getting at the evaporator!

 

[Missouri Mule]

It depends how many wires were burnt up and how hard they are to get to.



On two ford vans I owned I had to redo the wiring to the rear lights harness one for burnt wires the other for chewed up wires. I spliced new wire in place of damaged wire.

 

[rrausch]

I've re-wired more than a few trucks, not Dodge/Cummins though. But I agree about checking carefully for what is actually melted. You might be able to fix the harness you have easier (And a lot cheaper) that having a new one put in. However if the main harnesses are just one big melted mess, then you will probably have to get a new or used one.



I've gotten under the dash of my '95 a fair amount, and added wiring, fixed defective wiring, etc. It looks harder than it is. I crawl in from the Pass side a lot and lie sideways on the floor. It works. I've also laid on my back, upside down, with my legs over the backs of the front seats--(Quad cab only)--that works too.



Let us know what happens.

 

[Bob4x4]

If you do end up needing to change the entire dash harness it is a bear. You will need to pull the entire instrument panel ,lay it on the bench,and disassemble it partially to access the wiring harness. There is some duct work etc. that must be pulled to route the harness. Pulling the dash is not too bad depending how much has been added on.



Bob

 

[MKresch]

http://www.painlessperformance.com/ check out this site. they builb aftermarket wireing harnesses for just about anything at a great price. better quality than original. they make it practicaly dummy proof