How to Test Wires So I can cut dead wires?

[shoop]

Hi, I posted this in SSV forum trying to see how to manage this mess of wires. One way is to cut them. Trouble is I'm concerned if I cut any of those wires could be bad. Can anyone provide steps on how to use a multimeter for this issue so I can go ahead cutting back these wires.

 

[Mickey_7106]

are you deleting an aftermarket sound system?

 

[shoop]

iThis a SSV. Wires were hooked up to radios and strobes I believe. Would like to do a hair cut on wires but not sure if any wires are live I need to avoid

 

[mikez71]

Generally larger red wires are power. put probe on wire, other probe on a good ground and see if there is voltage. Might be a smaller auxillary fuse box underhood somewhere..

Do you have power in cargo area? Some grounding terminals on the sides? I'm curious because I'm planning to run power to the cargo area. If you find an extra fusebox or other electrical goods you don't want.. I might want to buy it from you..

Here is some 2012 SSV info..

https://www.gmupfitter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2012-Police-Specifications-Manual-9-29-11.pdf

Your wiring on page 104-111

 

[OR VietVet]

Start with a 12 volt test light and track the source of power. If not needed, rip it out and move to next one.

 

[Mickey_7106]

Assuming that you don't need any of those wires for anything else, i would disconnect the battery and cut back all of it and shrink wrap the ends individually, so that they don't accidentally make contact with metal or other bare wires.

Removing the knee covers of the dash may offer more room to track down where all those wires lead

 

[Shackman7878]

Hi, I posted this in SSV forum trying to see how to manage this mess of wires. One way is to cut them. Trouble is I'm concerned if I cut any of those wires could be bad. Can anyone provide steps on how to use a multimeter for this issue so I can go ahead cutting back these wires.

I seen your post in the PPV section I would look at a Test light easier to use for now, If you have a little money and want to get a decent tool look into a Power probe type tool.

With a test light you can go basic with a bulb, or they sell them with screen that tells you the voltage, Power probe will tell you if you have a ground or Battery positive with a tone and light on the screen, you can also power circuits with it the only issues is you put power on the wrong wire/ground you will short something or if your lucky blow a fuse.

On the test lights you hook up the Clip to Ground if the light turns on you have found battery positive, if you hook it to Battery positive and the light comes on you found a ground. With a test light you can took it to the battery or cigarette lighter.

 

[Fless]

Be sure to test in all key positions: off, run, and start.

 

[shoop]

Generally larger red wires are power. put probe on wire, other probe on a good ground and see if there is voltage. Might be a smaller auxillary fuse box underhood somewhere..

Do you have power in cargo area? Some grounding terminals on the sides? I'm curious because I'm planning to run power to the cargo area. If you find an extra fusebox or other electrical goods you don't want.. I might want to buy it from you..

Here is some 2012 SSV info..

https://www.gmupfitter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2012-Police-Specifications-Manual-9-29-11.pdf

Your wiring on page 104-111

What is a good ground?

Idk if I have power in cargo area or grounding terminals on side. I know next to nothing about electrical stuff

 

[shoop]

Assuming that you don't need any of those wires for anything else, i would disconnect the battery and cut back all of it and shrink wrap the ends individually, so that they don't accidentally make contact with metal or other bare wires.

I like this idea. So it doesn’t matter whether a wire is live or not if you cut it, just that the power is off?

Is this what you mean by shrink wrap? https://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-heat-shrink-wire-wrap-assortment-9639.html

Would electrical tape work good too or is shrink wrap a lot better?

 

[tom3]

I have used a needle or small straight pin to pierce the insulation and test for voltage with a light bulb or meter. If looking for ground the pin works with a meter, any resistance from there to ground would indicate the circuit is going through some type of component. The shrink tubing is better than tape for sure. And I would agree that unhooking the battery and cutting them all that are hanging loose is the best route on this. Looks like some high current feed lines there.

 

[Doubeleive]

What is a good ground?

Idk if I have power in cargo area or grounding terminals on side. I know next to nothing about electrical stuff

probably not the best choice then buying a ex service vehicle, lol you may want to take a crash course
I would advise checking all onboard systems are working before proceeding to chopping wires
high beams not working seem to be a common thing, as well as horn, rear door windows and locks, rear speakers.
those particular things may not have anything to do with the service console that was removed
what is the end goal? putting in a regular center console? radio? something else?

 

[mikez71]

What is a good ground?

Idk if I have power in cargo area or grounding terminals on side. I know next to nothing about electrical stuff

Ground on cars (other than some some really old cars) is connected to battery negative. Basically anything connected to the body/frame/engine that all connect to battery negative.

The ssv grounding terminals in back look like they would be a couple terminals sticking out on the back cargo area side panels.
(going by the manual I linked, never seen one)

Definately look underhood to see if you have auxillary fuse panel, and you could leave wires in with fuses removed (no longer live wires).. Safer cutting them with the power off as well..

Check that link it will show what color the wires are and fuse locations etc..

 

[shoop]

what is the end goal? putting in a regular center console? radio? something else?

I just want to get them out of the way. I put in jump seat but the wires are out of control coming from dash

 

[shoop]

Removing the knee covers of the dash may offer more room to track down where all those wires lead

Is this an easy process? Is this knee covers you are talking abou

 

[shoop]

Looks like i wires go down towards floor. I think I have to remove flooring to see where it goes.

Any idea if there is a wire connection point in the front passenger side?

Looks like I have to remove this plastic vertical piece too

 

[Shackman7878]

All that Trim pops off super easy unless someone used self tappers, My guess all those wires runs to the back area or up the A pillars to the roof for lights and etc.

 

[shoop]

Is there anything else that I can use on the ends of the wires? If I cut it right up under dash can’t really use a heat gun I would think because might mess up surrounding area

 

[OR VietVet]

Wire nuts.

 

[Mickey_7106]

Here's what i do to isolate unnecessary wires

Cut a small length of proper size heat shrink and have go past the wire just enough to pinch and create a seal