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Half-Wit · 08-29-2009, 01:49 PM

I would recommend to ANYONE considering purchasing ANY of those options that doing some research beforehand would be wise.

Some makes/models may have 'universal' wiring harnesses that are ready to accept optional equipment that was available at time the vehicle was manufactured. It might be best to invest in the EVTM (Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual) for your exact model/year and inspect your wiring to see if the necessary plug connectors are already there to connect the optional accessories.

One quick check would be to open your doors and look for wires going from the each door to the car body. There should be about 10 wires for a speaker, a power window, a power door lock and a power mirror. There may be more for courtesy door lights, security keypad, etc.

Add-on accessories from third-party manufacturers often come with parts and instructions to connect included wiring to your existing existing electrical system. Simple lights and other accessories that only need power and a switch to operate are fairly straight-forward 'follow the instructions'-type setups. Alarm systems and window motors may not be suitable for novices to attempt alone.

That is the opinion of this semi-skilled technician/mechanic who nearly always "bites off more than he can chew." (but I still don't let that stop me :-)

08-29-2009, 01:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
Half-Wit Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 24 OS: XP Pro SP2	Re: 1989 ford probe digital gauges, etc. I would recommend to ANYONE considering purchasing ANY of those options that doing some research beforehand would be wise. Some makes/models may have 'universal' wiring harnesses that are ready to accept optional equipment that was available at time the vehicle was manufactured. It might be best to invest in the EVTM (Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual) for your exact model/year and inspect your wiring to see if the necessary plug connectors are already there to connect the optional accessories. One quick check would be to open your doors and look for wires going from the each door to the car body. There should be about 10 wires for a speaker, a power window, a power door lock and a power mirror. There may be more for courtesy door lights, security keypad, etc. Add-on accessories from third-party manufacturers often come with parts and instructions to connect included wiring to your existing existing electrical system. Simple lights and other accessories that only need power and a switch to operate are fairly straight-forward 'follow the instructions'-type setups. Alarm systems and window motors may not be suitable for novices to attempt alone. That is the opinion of this semi-skilled technician/mechanic who nearly always "bites off more than he can chew." (but I still don't let that stop me :-)