Ford started new small lead. Use it?

[elirab]

I was replacing the starter in my 2005 Taurus yesterday and the new starter came with a new small lead for the solenoid.

I'm supposed to cut 6 inches off the old wire and crimp this new one on in its place.

The instructions say that Ford has determined that the last 4 inches of the factory harness could have corrosion that could cause a 'no start' condition.

My old lead looks perfect, and I hate to add another connection point in wire if I don't need to. My first inclination is not to cut into a perfectly good wire.

Anybody seen this on a starter install before?

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Just relug the old wire.

 

[Tim]

Don’t fix what ain’t broke.

hold onto the small one until/if you have a problem.

 

[heavydoc]

Yep, if you are curious do a voltage drop test

 

[papa_smurf]

Throw the new lead in the glove box and use what is existing. If it ever gives you trouble you have the replacement on hand.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Sounds like what they're saying is water and contaminants (like road salt and such) may have wicked their way up the copper strands under the insulation, which may cause a problem at some point.

If you feel this might be a problem, do like I said earlier: relug the wire. When you do, if there's any corrosion it'll be evident when you strip that 1/4 to 1/2 inch of insulation back.

If corrosion is there, either strip back until you get clean copper wire and relug, or if it's too short at that point, butt splice the new lead on.

If you butt splice the new lead, use heat shrink over some silicone sealant over the butt splice with about an inch or more overlap on each side.

 

[Button Pusher]

Saved the pigtails, I own a Sable and a Taurus.

 

[elirab]

Thanks guys.

I carefully examined the lead. I didn't see anything to make me believe the wire is degraded.

I did a voltage drop test and saw less than 0.01 volt difference overall.

I think I'll leave the pigtail in the glove box for now.