Replacing the wiring loom

[onlygreg]

All the electrics in my car like to play up... a lot.

The previous owner tried to replace the radio in my car and had an earthing problem by the looks of things. The live wire to the radio has melted and disappeared, also melting wires around it.

At the two main connectors down in the passenger foot well there's something dodgey going on as well. For both headlights to work it needs a bit of fiddling with. Also, I've cleared my local Halfords out of 20amp fuses because a fuse keeps going (courtesy light, horn, hazards). Fiddled with the connector and now it seems to be holding.

Basically I think the whole loom needs changing.

Is this, 1 - an over reaction, 2 - stupidly expensive, or 3 - neither.

Many thanks.

 

[Lefthooker]

I wouldn't say it's overreaction, but I would seriously think twice about replacing the whole loom. If you are prepared to rip the whole loom out, then I think it would be easier to try and locate the problem. Sounds like you got some serious earth shortage going on.

As for expense, I dont think this plays much of a role as a loom can be bought of eBay or from a scrappy for a small pitance.

 

[onlygreg]

I'm thinking more the price of fitting it. I have very little know how, especially when it comes to electrics!

 

[symeon]

This sounds almost exactly like mine was when I got it.
The ignition live was completely melted from the ignition right through to the head unit.
Ended up just connecting it to permanent live and replacing the melted speaker cables etc.
In addition to the melted wires, both interior bulbs had gone as had both sidelights.
Changed the bulbs and its been fine since (touch wood).
None of my fuses have blown though, so good luck in finding the cause.
If you were closer Id have popped round to give you a hand looking.

Sy