My 1995 850 just died, I had problems with it for several years draining the battery if it sat for a few days. Eventually tracked down the glove compartment light switch and disconnected it. Had a problem last winter, no start, and smoke coming from steering column when tried to start it. Garage found loose battery wire and said that excess voltage melted the ground wire. They replaced the ground wire (notes on invoice say "from relay box 31/65 to ground on column 31/50"). They also said that it looked like a remote starter had previously been installed and removed since some wires have been cut and fixed.
Just had another problem, no start, no cranking, faint burning smell.
A different garage this time but they say the ground wire burnt again and that the car needs a new main wiring harness to the tune of $3600 plus 6 hours of labour.
When I picked myself off the floor I said no thanks, but they are telling me that the car is not safe since there are potential shorts and grounds not working.
Any suggestions?

 

i dont have an engine harness. but i do have the res of the harness system.

would you like it? PM me

 

I have the Whole Sha-bang!

 

Thanks for the offers guys. I should have been more specific in my question.

I am interested in any one who has had similar problems and any thoughts on replacing or patching a few wires that may appear damaged as opposed to the whole harness.

Also, if replaceing the harness is the way to go, any thoughts on new vs. used? My concern with used is that those wires have been in a car for 15 years just like the ones that they are replacing. Also, is there consistency in the harness from year to year or cars with different options installed. Since I am not familiar with the amount of work involved in removing and replacing, is it likely that a used harness would be damaged during the removal process?

And finally, is replacing this a highly complex task or something that a fairly handy novice like myself should attempt.

Thanks,
Rob

 

its a b!tch....