So I've read through a thread on this forum for installing the overhead digital dome unit that has the temp and compass display. My 97 Pathfinder is already wired up for it. Found the extra ambient temp sensor plug behind the grille as well as the connection under the dash.

Bought the part off eBay. I don't have the harness from the plug under the dash to the unit, so I have a conductor cable with the 6 wires needed and its 18guage.

Now since it's a bit restricted in terms of working room under the dash, are t-taps okay to use to splice in the 6 wires from that plug to the unit? Or should I just cut off the plug and solder the 6 wires going to the unit?

I know it will be easier to solder those six wires on the other end at the overhead unit side, so I'm not too worried about that.

Nothing wrong with T-taps inside the cabin as long as they're the appropriate gauge.

VStar650CL wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 04, 2021 5:45 pm

Nothing wrong with T-taps inside the cabin as long as they're the appropriate gauge.

Okay, got it.

And is the wiring under the dash areas 18 gauge or 22?

Depends on the circuit, but most of it will be 20~22AWG on late '90's stuff. Bulb and moderate-power circuits will usually be 18AWG, high power circuits like window motors usually 16~18AWG. 12~14AWG are pretty much reserved for power trunks.

VStar650CL wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 04, 2021 8:28 pm

Depends on the circuit, but most of it will be 20~22AWG on late '90's stuff. Bulb and moderate-power circuits will usually be 18AWG, high power circuits like window motors usually 16~18AWG. 12~14AWG are pretty much reserved for power trunks.

Okay, thank you!

I was just a bit concerned because a number of people and places online claim these types of connections are horrible. Either it would not cut through the insulation or cut through and cut a bit of the wire strands.

But I would find it extremely difficult to solder those wires up in the area that the harness is up under the glove compartment.

Insulation displacement (IDC) connectors like T-taps and scotchloks depend on two things, proper sizing and remaining in place. When the insulation doesn't get displaced, it's because of people using the wrong size connector, period. IDC's also depend on the wire being supported by the plastic housing after application, so removing them will generally leave a weakened wire with a bare spot. Proper repair is essential, but it's only an issue if you ever need to remove them.

VStar650CL wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 07, 2021 6:46 am

Insulation displacement (IDC) connectors like T-taps and scotchloks depend on two things, proper sizing and remaining in place. When the insulation doesn't get displaced, it's because of people using the wrong size connector, period. IDC's also depend on the wire being supported by the plastic housing after application, so removing them will generally leave a weakened wire with a bare spot. Proper repair is essential, but it's only an issue if you ever need to remove them.

Alright, thank you for clarifying!