What gauge is vehicle VSS wire?

[luvrbcs]

Does anyone know what gauge the VSS wire is in a 2007 Mustang?

[skicrave]

That's a pretty obscure question. I hope you're not actually trying to identify the wire based on what gauge it is.

 

This would also probably be better answered if it were posted in the vehicle specific wiring question.

[NickyD32]

most likely 16, it's usually the same size as your power, acc, remote wires....

[offroaderf150]

its about an 18 awg. the wire is in the engine compartment on the passenger side of the car near the head light. its on the pcm....blue/yellow.

[luvrbcs]

The reason I'm asking is because I want to use the correct t-tap (please, no flaming for using t-taps) for my connection. I think the VSS wire from the unit (AVIC-D3) is either 14 or 16 ga. I am thinking the VSS wire in the car is larger.

 

I used a red t-tap (22-18 ga) to hook it up and I am getting an intermittent speed pulse (most days it is fine) on the nav unit. So I am thinking I don't have a good connection. I probably should have went with a blue t-tap (16-14).

 

I am also wondering if I can use the blue for the smaller gauge wire of the nav unit or would it be too big.

[offroaderf150]

um the blue t tap is for thicker wires. the red is the smallest one. the higher the number, the thinner the wire is. please dont use t taps. theyre not good connections for anything under the hood. use solder!!!!!! much better connection and it wont come loose or have intermittent connection problems like you're having.

[jlong1987]

From what I remember of my install it specifically says to solder the VSS wire. I know where I installed mine (behind instrument cluster) that cutting the VSS wire would cause major problems. Solder is going to work better for you anyways.

[luvrbcs]

I agree that soldering is better but I am hesitant on soldering the VSS for several reasons:

 

1. The location is very tight and there is not much wire exposed, it is located in a thick wire cluster at the PCM in the engine compartment.

 

2. This may not be the final radio in the car and the next one may not require a VSS connection. This decision is up in the air.

 

I know the blue t-tap is for thicker wire, that is why I am asking if anyone knows the gauge of the VSS wire. I used red and I think it may be the wrong one.

 

Thanks to everyone for their input. I know you want me to have the best install but sometimes circumstances dictate other methods. I also realize that I have to live with my decisions and deal with the consequences. As I think I am doing now.

 

Has anyone with a 2005 and up Mustang soldered the VSS? How did it go?

[offroaderf150]

yes i have a 2007 mustang. i soldered the vss. very easy. just pull the wire out of the loom a little to give it a loop that allows you to get the soldering iron under the wire. i ran the entire wire in split loom as well so it looks completely factory. even if you did sell the car, you can just leave the wire there. do a good job on the install and make it look as factory as possible and there will be no problems.

 

the red t tap is technically the correct sized t tap but a lot of the time they have that problem of not completely cutting through the insulation.