Nova_Dust

Ok, I have an aftermarket sunroof and the switch is right above the rear view mirror. Everytime I open/close it, I have to raise my hand, it is like asking premission to go to washroom back in highschool.

There are 3 empty covers on the cover next to my driver side door (where the factory Si has sunroof switch and power mirror switch installed). I think the switch will fit in the small slot. But I measured the wire length and it is not long enough. I need to cut the lines and reattach them. There are 5 wires:

1) black
2) black/orange
3) red/white
4) red/blue
5) red/yellowish pink

Now, do I have to buy small wires with the same outter colour OR I can buy any wire and extend?

Thanks

kwikb16a2

You can buy any colour u want...but whoever is gonna have to troubleshoot it later on might have some trouble.

imported_loudsubz

what gauge are the wires?

you can buy a flat wire sometimes with 6 wires in it, try that.

makes it easier to run etc.

No colour doens't matter at all, just make sure its the same wire gauge as what is there now

Nova_Dust

What is wire gauge? You mean like the thickness or the wires?

imported_loudsubz

yes

imported_ERTW

colour of the insulation doesnt matter, its all copper inside anyways

imported_loudsubz

some wire is silver

imported_ERTW

and some is gold.. whats your point?

most wire harnesses on a car are made of regular copper wire due to its conductance/cost advantage

the guy is asking if the colour of insulation matters, and the fact is that it doesnt matter

whatever wire he gets, its a good chance it will be copper

Nova_Dust

Thanks Matt, I will go try it out. I think they are regular thin wires, shouldn't be too hard. The trouble might be routing the wires through A pillar base and inside the dash board.

imported_loudsubz

yes copper is best for its price vs its conductive ability, thats why its readily used.

He asked if the colour of the insulation mattered, it was stated in the first 2 post NO.

Now that settled, you answer again, thats fine. I mention some wire can be silver, no biggie.

My Point IS...coloured insulation will help, ecspecially when wiring up something, Im sure Charles doesn't want to measure, cut the wire and label each piece of wire, when he could have a piece already coloured for easy hookup...

but then again that was stupid of me to mention sorry

imported_ERTW

agreed

Nova_Dust

I can't seem to find the fine prints on those wires. I was at Canadian Tire and apparently, the smallest guage is 14, but too bad I can't find any readings on mine.

I will try to look again. Anyone knows what's the usual sunroof switch wire guage? Thanks

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

Nova_Dust, we can't guess what gauge it is, but you should be able to use thicker wire too if you want. it just makes the install a little more bulky, that's all. Actually, do you know what amperage the sunroof draws?? Cuz now that you're extending the wires, odds are you may need thicker wire anyways. 14 gauge is pretty damn thick!! I don't think you need 14 gauge.

Nova_Dust

But 14 guage is the smallest wire that CT sells. Radio Shack has nothing, and Home Depot is hopeless.

I am out of ideas.

From what I can see, the extended wire will be less than half a meter. Somewhat close to 40cm or even 35.

Nova_Dust

Basically, it is the distance from the base of the A-pillar to the tabs below the vent, that distance is rather short I believe.

imported_94EG6HB

I have a pissload of numbered loomed 22 guage if you want.

Used some of it for my mirror conversion.

Price - 1 timmies xl coffee

Nova_Dust

So it is ok to go larger size wires? Will it draw more power from battery or? But it is not like I open the sunroof everyday.

imported_kane2k

Larger size wires will actually draw less power since they have a lower resistance per unit length than thinner ones and so less power gets dissipated as heat in the wire itself.

Nova_Dust

I see I see. It does make sense to me! Thanks

Aaron, not sure when we will meet up, I rarely go to KC meets now. I will try to play around with it and if all fails, I will come crying on my knees begging for help.

sirhondalot

im confused i thought 22 gauge is smaller in size thatn 14 gauge ?
mesure the circumference of the wire and measure one at home depot fine the closest match