Starter Wire - What Gauge?

[natedoggaz]

Hello,

My 2002 Explorer starter wire and wire that goes to the fuse box have corroded pretty bad.

I went to the dealer and they said you have to buy the whole new harness to replace it.

The mentioned making my own and splicing it in (cutting off the bad and putting in some good wire)

It is on the positive side.

Anyone know what gauge wire is used to go to the starter and fuse box?

I will just go to Home Depot or wherever and get some replacement wire and replace the bad section...

Thanks!

ND

 

[natedoggaz]

Anyone have an idea?

thanks!

ND

 

[scubanero]

You likely won't find wire heavy enough at Home Depot. You likely need #6 or #4 gauge. Bigger is better.
What I would do is go to an automotive place and get a replacement battery lead. I can't recall if the starter solenoid is on the starter or separate, but in either case, you want a lead with a battery post connection on one end and a ring terminal on the other end. You could just buy the wire and put the ends on yourself, but the pre-made ones are cleaner and less prone to corrosion. Splicing wire in the middle is even less reliable.

 

[natedoggaz]

Was looking for a terminal with a starter wire connected, but havn't found one yet...

I will have to cut off about 6 inches or so off the wire - it has bubbled up under the wire sheathing.

ND

 

[D Hook]

If you go to a parts store and ask the counter person to look at the wire you're trying to replace, they can tell you exactly what you need. If it's able to be purchased separate, they'll be happy to sell it to you. If it's only available as a harness, they can probably source that also.