Crumpler

Hey gentleman, I got an awesome harness made by SeanR. You may have seen it on a cross thread for oil pressure sender:


I plan on installing this better then OEM harness and conducting a post mortem exam on the old one.

Looking at the S3, the replacement points look pretty accessible -- except a harness fasten point sitting behind the drivers side inner cam cover.

Can the replacement be done without significant tear down? And what is easiest approach? Any tricks to share?

Best, Dave.

FredR

Dave,

There is a bolted clamp at the back of the cam housing. I took a long hard look at this when I had the power steering pump out of the way last cool season. With the PS pump and mount out of the way it is easy to get at. Whether or not it can be accessed with the PS pump in place I do not know.

In my next maintenance period around December time I plan to replace the power cables in my harnesss and then everything will be new once more. I plan on removing the alternator and the PS pump so no issues in that regard.

SeanR

You should have no issue getting to that clamp bolt from the front side with a 3 inch extension, 13mm socket and ratchet.

Pull the alternator down and that's about all the disassembly you will have to do. Unhook everything from under the car and pull the old harness out the top and feed the new one in from the top side and you will be fine. Make it easy on yourself and clean everything well before you put the new one in.

Ducman82

and disconnect the battery... :-P

SeanR

Now what fun is that?

Crumpler

Ok I'm an idiot sometimes, forgot there was a nice little window in the timing belt cover, almost like it was there for a purpose

Thanks Sean.

And yes Jake, the sparks coming off the wrench will get your attention pretty fast. Definitely a pants pooping moment, that will keep you honest after.

dr bob

Remember that clamp on the crossmember where the wiring passes under the left side motor mount and heat shield back towards the starter.

Crumpler

Necropsy findings consistent with advanced demyelination, or syphilis, I couldn't tell for sure.

It's only 100 degrees here, good day to replace a harness!

Oh, Bob you will like this. Remember me chasing my tail on that alternator up grade and voltage warning light?
I traced the "keyed power" splice for the electric fan relay by the 14 pin connector. It ran all the way to the alternator. Wheeeee.
I just shook my head...