Question about electrical connector

[Mars55]

Hey all - I'm replacing wiring in my 1600 and the new (old) loom has a few connectors like the one pictured.

This one is in the trunk and I don't know what connects to it. What are these connectors used for? Any reason to disconnect them ( and if so, how?)

Thanks

[halboyles]

If that is grey/red it is usually connected to the license plate lights.

[Simeon]

I don’t recognise that ‘double male’ connector though. That would be used to extend the wiring.

 

Changed license plate locations? Trailer wiring?

[halboyles]

I just noticed you are in the Midwest.  Anywhere near KC?

[jgerock]

Those junction blocks were commonly used on VW's as well as BMW's.  Think you can still source them from places like Wolfsburg West and West Coast Metric.

[Einspritz]

If your car is a "late" model with trunk side markers, and the location is on the side of the car, then that is the connector, which is generally on the same circuit as the license plate lights.

 

The flat blade is specific to that connector in that it has tangs that hold it in to the plastic sleeve..

[Mars55]

My 68 doesn't have the side markers, etc but the harness is from perhaps a later 1600 that did, which is why I didn't recognize it. I assume I'll leave it disconnected.

I was wondering if these junction blocks can be pulled apart to clean. Each wire appears to have a barb that holds in the block. There are two other such blocks in my car: a 3-way in the engine and a 5 way under the dash.

I'm in Chicago, btw.

Thanks for the help!

[Einspritz]

Yes you can; while the proper tool is best, a thin flat blade jewelers screwdriver will work. be careful to re bend the tang before re inserting.

 

As far as the others, do they have wires associated with them?

 

There might / should also be another with a black wire that ends up right about where the brake master cylinder is. That is 12+Volt  hot when the key is on and is part of / tied into the starter.

 

Come to think of it,  there should also be one on the white wire off the headlight circuit, which is for fog lights or city lights.

[jgerock]

4 hours ago, Mars55 said:

My 68 doesn't have the side markers, etc but the harness is from perhaps a later 1600 that did, which is why I didn't recognize it. I assume I'll leave it disconnected.

I was wondering if these junction blocks can be pulled apart to clean. Each wire appears to have a barb that holds in the block. There are two other such blocks in my car: a 3-way in the engine and a 5 way under the dash.

I'm in Chicago, btw.

Thanks for the help!

I use my small jewelry ultrasonic cleaner for these types of parts, along with a wet QTip.

[AustrianVespaGuy]

Any chance that loom came from a touring?  White-red would then be the power for the rear luggage area light!

[02Les]

2 hours ago, AustrianVespaGuy said:

Any chance that loom came from a touring?  White-red would then be the power for the rear luggage area light!

You may have a point, but, then it should be in a loom with another wire that goes to the hatch door switch.

 

[Mars55]

Yes, indeed, this grey/red wire is an extender and branches off the license plate wires. I still can't see where the female connector is or goes. Thanks for the cleaning/disassembly tips.

Onward.

[Mars55]

Well, while I'm here, this is what the 3-red wire to battery + looks like on the harness I'm installing. Yikes. The trio should be joined on one ring connector, right?

[Einspritz]

Yes, but you need to have a more substantial ring that will handle the amperage of the three wires.

[Mars55]

Yes, thanks. I'm thinking of replacing all three since I have the loom out. What would you say are the gauges? What size lug?