A little help with these connectors?

[duroc]

I think I know how to put these together, but someone with experience might make life easier for me. I just got some of these AMP waterproof connectors from China, about 40 cents apiece, but no info on how to put them together. I think the make pins go into the larger half, from the inside, and snap in, after the wire is crimped on. The female parts go behind the red plastic parts, and snap in, but until I put one together (or fail) I don't know for sure. Anybody with experience??View attachment 286250

It's a little hard to see what direction the locking tabs are on the Exrell terminals, but if the locking tab on the terminal points towards the front of the pin, it is a "pull to seat" pin. If so, the terminal is crimped on the wire "after" the wire has been pushed through the connector. After crimping, the wire and terminal is "pulled" into the connector to lock. If it is not a pull to seat connector/pin 4shorts is correct.

 

[4shorts]

I've been using those connectors since the early 90's when I was a GM tech. The orginal or American ones are great quality and the weather PAC system was designed by GM. That being said I also bought those connectors from China and take it from me for what it's worth, they are not the quality of the higher priced connectors. They look great but the issue is when you "dress" crimp the wire, seal onto the blade and push it into the housing the blade is not a great fit and can be a bit sloppy. This will cause some mating problems with the opposite connector and possibly bent connectors with in the housing. Well that's my findings anyway

 

[4shorts]

After crimping, the wire and terminal is "pulled" into the connector to lock. If it is not a pull to seat connector/pin 4shorts is correct.

I've never pulled the wire though the weather PAC plug. After crimping I've pushed the blade with the wire up the back side of the housing until i hear the "click" then used the retainer ( if equipped) to hold in place on the back of the plug.
The type that I've used to pull the blade down through the plug were none weather PAC plugs and used in dry locations such as inside the vehicle. They have no rubber seals on them. Speaking from my experience that is :laughing:

 

[varmint]

Dave, these were from eBay. I ordered the switches, wire and connectors from various eBay sources, and all were delivered pretty quickly, no problems. The cost was so much lower than any other source I decided to give it a try. Like I said, if they are actually making this stuff for less than they are selling it for, manufacturing is doomed here. I have to wonder what's going on.

 

[varmint]

Paul seems to be righ on about the difference in quality. Just looking at his photos shows what he talks about. Still, for the cost involved, and the fact that my application will be handling 18 watts, I will be fine with the cheapos. My original option was just push connectors, with a dab of silicone to seal the ends. I took a photo to send to the supplier, to make sure I was right in my assembly assumptions. Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply to my question!

 

[duroc]

The type that I've used to pull the blade down through the plug were none weather PAC plugs and used in dry locations such as inside the vehicle. They have no rubber seals on them. Speaking from my experience that is :laughing:

Don't know if you are still with GM or not, but before I retired (also a GM tech) we used weather PAC "pull to seat" connectors. I worked at a GM engineering test and developement facility that built proto and pre-proto vehicles and when those connectors showed up, everyone was blown away. GM had so many different configurations of terminals that it was hard to figure out which terminal fit which connector. I don't know if they were ever released to public vehicles, but they do/did exist. :laughing:

 

[4shorts]

Don't know if you are still with GM or not, but before I retired (also a GM tech) we used weather PAC "pull to seat" connectors. I worked at a GM engineering test and developement facility that built proto and pre-proto vehicles and when those connectors showed up, everyone was blown away. GM had so many different configurations of terminals that it was hard to figure out which terminal fit which connector. I don't know if they were ever released to public vehicles, but they do/did exist. :laughing:

Ya there is dozens of different types. Just the other day we purchased repair terminal kits for the different connectors. Not cheap either but have to have them. Just some of the hidden costs of being in business. I liked the fact that there were so many different types when it came time to do an engine install because each connector had it's mate and you couldn't mix them up but there were times I may have forgot to plug one or two in and set the SES light

Varmint if you want I can do a step by step install for you on a connector like you have if your stil not sure.

 

[varmint]

Paul- that's a kind offer, but I can only see one way to put them together, and I should be okay when I get to it. Right now, we have to get ready for a big three-way storm that's brewing up in the Atlantic. Our region could get whacked with wind and rain... they're talking 5" overall, with heavier downfalls in many areas. Gotta go stock up on generator gas.

 

[4shorts]

Paul- that's a kind offer, but I can only see one way to put them together, and I should be okay when I get to it. Right now, we have to get ready for a big three-way storm that's brewing up in the Atlantic. Our region could get whacked with wind and rain... they're talking 5" overall, with heavier downfalls in many areas. Gotta go stock up on generator gas.

No problem. Been watching that storm heading your way. We'll be praying for everyone in its path. Stay safe buddy.

 

[dstig1]

Thanks. Did you have any particular vendors that you found helpful, or just random luck of the search?