Make Your Own Back Probe To Find Connector Power

[Gadgetjq]

Hey Modders,

 

If you've done any aftermarket electrical work on your Edge you've probably noticed Ford uses some really tiny wire these days.  A lot of it is 26 gauge which is impossible to get a T-tap on and nearly impossible to splice.  So, the easy way to make connections is to borrow an idea from the Mirror Tap folks.  You've probably seen their tiny pins that slip into the back of the mirror connector, the other end has an accessory appropriate plug.  Those puppies are pricey so, I thought to myself...."self, you can probably make your own".  That's exactly what I did for an upcoming project.  Here's how to make your own back probe to power an accessory or just use with a test light or multimeter.

What You'll Need

1. package of pins or any small needle from the household sewing kit
2. a length of metal tubing with an appropriate inner diameter for the size wire you use.  Use steel or brass, it won't matter but you'll want the wire to fit inside fairly tight.
3. shrink tubing
4. wire
5. solder & flux
6. Torch to heat tubing and draw solder into the tube

 

 

How To:

Strip one end of your wire (length depends on your project) and dip it in flux then slip bare wire into metal tube
Cut your pin to whatever length you'll need as a probe (generally about 1/2") plus the length of your tube then press it, pointy end first, into the tube with the wire.
Place the tube/wire/pin combo in a vice or hold with pliers.  Apply heat from the torch to the tube then, when hot, add solder.  The molten solder 'should' be drawn down into the tube (you did use flux right?).
When cool, slip a length of shrink tubing over the metal tube and some of the insulated wire and add heat to shrink the tubing.

Done! 

What you do with the other end of the wire is up to your need and imagination.  Attach it to an alligator clip which can be attached to your test light or multi tester or to whatever accessory you're adding.

Cheers!