100 Way Connector (Access Problems)

[Snukulu]

Found a Mopar add-on hardtop wiring kit on eBay and since the first 90% of it seems simple (running the harness back to front, swapping the wiper parts, removing the center bezel) I thought I would tackle it myself. Everything went fine through Step 30. The instructions make it sound like you can access the 100-way connector right after removing those 14 screws. I've got the metal plate and the knee blocker panel off, but it's still completely blocked off. They don't mention anything about Torx screws but I don't think I can get to that connector without removing that entire lower dash panel. What am I missing?? Can't find anything specific on YouTube and don't want to take apart more than I have to.

 

[macleanflood]

Pull the driver's seat and get yourself in there.

-Mac

 

[Snukulu]

I'm going to need to be splicing wires from it; I definitely need more access than that!

 

[hear]

You could pull your entire interior and still discover that those 100-way connectors are an absolute bear to get out of their slot. I swear it would easier to de-pin each wire from the back than it is to get those connectors unplugged.

 

[xXDavidCXx]

Taking out the speaker will give you access to the rear of the 100-way, otherwise through the knee blocker or under is the only way.

 

[Snukulu]

Taking out the speaker will give you access to the rear of the 100-way, otherwise through the knee blocker or under is the only way.

Thanks! Do you know if I can push the (red) 10-way connector out from the back? I can't even get a closeup look at it yet but I suspect I have to push tabs in/pull out from the front.

 

[B1Toad]

I had to splice into a couple wires on mine and it was a bear. I removed as much as possible including the speaker then I twisted myself in there somehow standing on my head with a headlamp and did it. Some old pillows were involved. I am 6'3" and 210 lbs and not a spring chicken. You can do it.

 

[Snukulu]

I had to splice into a couple wires on mine and it was a bear. I removed as much as possible including the speaker then I twisted myself in there somehow standing on my head with a headlamp and did it. Some old pillows were involved. I am 6'3" and 210 lbs and not a spring chicken. You can do it.

LMAO, I'm 5'1" and 105lbs so I'm pretty sure *I* can GET there... but the person I was hoping would help with the splicing and soldering is 6'3"

 

[B1Toad]

LMAO, I'm 5'1" and 105lbs so I'm pretty sure *I* can GET there... but the person I was hoping would help with the splicing and soldering is 6'3"

Why solder? Just use good crimp on butt connectors. Even taps, it's dry down there. I know some people despise taps but sometimes they make sense, and when sized and installed properly and kept dry they can last forever. I can't imagine trying to solder down there.

 

[Snukulu]

Taking out the speaker will give you access to the rear of the 100-way, otherwise through the knee blocker or under is the only way.

THAT WORKED!!!! Thank you!!

 

[Snukulu]

Why solder? Just use good crimp on butt connectors. Even taps, it's dry down there. I know some people despise taps but sometimes they make sense, and when sized and installed properly and kept dry they can last forever. I can't imagine trying to solder down there.

I actually did buy some of those because...I don't know how to solder (don't make fun I'm kinda handy but don't know a thing about cars yet ). But I've gotten this far:

 

[Snukulu]

Pull the driver's seat and get yourself in there.

-Mac

That really helped, too

 

[macleanflood]

That really helped, too

Well it's that or remove the entire Jeep! =)

-Mac