Alternator connector...OOPS!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 276
Likes: 5
From: Aptos, CA
Alternator connector...OOPS!
So my water pump replacement went well today...however...
When I was bolting the alternator back on I noticed that one of the two wires leading into the plastic snap connector had come out.
It appears in the repair process I managed to break the metal connector the wire was crimped to on the inside of the plastic connector.
Is there an easy way to fix this?
Do they sell connectors that I could attach, or even splice my wires to?
Seems to always happen, right? You fix a problem and in the process create a new one...haha
When I was bolting the alternator back on I noticed that one of the two wires leading into the plastic snap connector had come out.
It appears in the repair process I managed to break the metal connector the wire was crimped to on the inside of the plastic connector.
Is there an easy way to fix this?
Do they sell connectors that I could attach, or even splice my wires to?
Seems to always happen, right? You fix a problem and in the process create a new one...haha
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
[After you disconnect the battery, of course...]
Yes, the metal contacts in those plastic bodied connectors DO come out. {They had to put them in there, didn't they?
} Usually, the contact pin is retained in the plastic piece with a metal tab that snaps in place when the contact is inserted. You can use a small [jeweler's] screwdriver to press into the 'wire' side so that it can push that metal tab down flat. Then you can push the wire and contact out the end of the connector.
Call around to some of the local car parts stores. Some will carry the contacts and various connectors. Once you see how it is assembled, you can repair it yourself very easily.
Yes, the metal contacts in those plastic bodied connectors DO come out. {They had to put them in there, didn't they?
} Usually, the contact pin is retained in the plastic piece with a metal tab that snaps in place when the contact is inserted. You can use a small [jeweler's] screwdriver to press into the 'wire' side so that it can push that metal tab down flat. Then you can push the wire and contact out the end of the connector.Call around to some of the local car parts stores. Some will carry the contacts and various connectors. Once you see how it is assembled, you can repair it yourself very easily.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 36
From: Providence RI
That connector (like many of that era) uses the Type 56 female terminal, which are sold at Pep-Boys or NAPA. As said, release the tab on the terminal, push the old one out of the housing, strip the end of the wire, crimp (and I always solder as well) the terminal on the end of the wire, and push it into the housing to engage that locking-tab. Cheaper, easier, and cleaner than the pigtail route.
