• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2.3L (N/A & Turbo) Tech

How Do you Clean Harness Connector plugs?

  • Thread starter Thread starter wuzfast
  • Start date Start date Jul 14, 2004
W

wuzfast

Founding Member
Sep 21, 2000
569
0
16
Jul 14, 2004
#1
  • Jul 14, 2004
  • #1
I've heard that corrosion on some of the pins in the harness connectors might be the cause of DIS failures. I've damaged two of the modules now so that the Tach. only shows 1/2 the real rpm. Idle is rougher and standing starts seem like the engine timing is retarded. It runs OK when I get it rolling and the mileage seems about the same, but the tach is only showing half RPM. The problem went away after changing the module but after about 6 months, it's back again. The modules are expensive as hell new and are nonexistent in the junk yards around here. If dirty connector pins may be causing the falures... How the heck do you get in there to clean them, and with what? Is there a pin & plug cleaning tool for those things or is there a way to release the pins from the plugs so you can remove them for a little polishing?
 
W

wuzfast

Founding Member
Sep 21, 2000
569
0
16
Jul 22, 2004
#2
  • Jul 22, 2004
  • #2
Up Again?

All these looks and all this time and nobody knows? This looks like an invention opportunity!
 

Dr_EluSivE

Founding Member
Apr 24, 2002
2,155
0
56
Central Illinois
Jul 22, 2004
#3
  • Jul 22, 2004
  • #3
you could probably use wirebrush pipecleaners or a solvent to dissolve the rust.

Dr.
 
N

NY Eric

New Member
Jul 15, 2004
67
0
0
Carmel NY
Jul 22, 2004
#4
  • Jul 22, 2004
  • #4
I recomend electric contact cleaner (found at radio shack). small tools like an emeryboard (fine) dental pick, q-tips, and pipe cleaners. If all else fails replace the offending plug.
 

stackz

Founding Member
Jun 13, 2001
1,352
7
58
james island, sc
Jul 22, 2004
#5
  • Jul 22, 2004
  • #5
brake parts cleaner. plain and simple.

Spray it at the connector, in the connector, and on the connector and this and that. It'll dissolve even the factory di-electric grease and dries without residue. On some nastier connectors I've also had to quickly grab a wire brush and scrub it then respray.

Remember to coat the connectors in fresh di-electric grease before reconnecting. (it's the battery terminal stuff you can get in tiny packets at the parts store for $0.88).

oh, and if you think there's corrosion on the terminals then just scrape them with something thin like an ice pick or what not and respray them to get the corrosion out before recoating them in grease.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
2006 Mustang GT o2 Sensor Wiring Issue Car Bogging/Choking
  • GCantero93
  • Sep 5, 2025
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech
Replies
4
Views
941
2005 - 2009 Specific Tech Sep 6, 2025
Noobz347
8
Engine Rough idle and aggressive sputtering when accelerating
  • 88vertible
  • Aug 13, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 13, 2025
Jarhead67
J
SURGING IDLE / NO IDLE CHECKLIST FOR 1999–2004 MUSTANG GT (4.6L 2V) - Work In Progress
  • Noobz347
  • Aug 30, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
867
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Aug 30, 2025
Noobz347
SURGING IDLE / NO IDLE CHECKLIST FOR 1996–1998 MUSTANG GT (4.6L 2V) - Work In Progress
  • Noobz347
  • Aug 30, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
713
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Aug 30, 2025
Noobz347
Engine Throwing codes 94, 33, 34, 44, and sporadic engine shutoff.
  • Ryu
  • Oct 9, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
11
Views
937
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 16, 2024
89ripper
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2.3L (N/A & Turbo) Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?