Cost to Replace Wire Harness on my 96 Toyota Corolla?

<p>Reader Question

Hello,

What would be the avearge cost for repairing a wiring harneess (parts & labor) for a 1996 Toyota Corolla?

Paul

Howdy Paul,

Hummmmm, that is a very tough question. Seldom…I mean seldom do you see the need to replace the wiring harness. I can really only remember replacing 2 or 3 harnesses in my life time, and both were due to an under hood fire.

You might just need 1 piece of the harness, like a connector for something that has corroded or burnt. If that is the case and you can not buy a new connector to splice into your old harness then you might want to visit your local junk yard with a pair or wire snips and cut off what you need.

If you are sure you need the complete harness, then you will only be able to buy the part from Toyota (or a used part from a junk yard) and the labor cost could be as high as $750 depending on how much of the harness you want to replace. I would bet that Toyota gets a pretty penny for the part, and would have to be special ordered I am sure.

If you can get me a more detailed description of what part of the harness you really need to replace I can try to assist…….but I would highly suggest you visit a few local junk yards and cut off what you need.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Reader Follow up

Austin,

Actually, it’s the entire harness. What happened was the starter became ‘stuck’ in the on position taking out the starter, battery & harness. There was some smoke, but no flames.

But the price $750 in labor was close to what the dealer quoted, which was $700.

Thanks, Paul

Hello again Paul

I was afraid you were going to say something like that. I think the real problem is…..the dealership really does not want to do the repair, its not a fun job. I think they are shooting you a high ball number in hopes that you go away.

I still feel though, you really probably only need a small part of the harness. I don’t see how the starter motor section of the harness doing any damage to the other parts of the harness….not associated with the starter motor. The dealership is also in the business of selling new parts….not saving you money installing used parts from a junk yard.

I would suggest one of these options.

1. Call your auto insurance company and see if they will accept the claim…they should if you have comprehensive coverage. How much of the deductible amount will you have to pay will be another story, but would be worth a phone call to see if you are covered and what your costs will be to file the claim.

2. Go to another repair shop….and independent family owned type of place and ask them if they are willing to use used parts in this situation. I would get them to give you a Max amount of hour’s labor they will charge you to solder in the needed harness from a salvage yard.

For example, I would bill you $70 a hour labor with a max 4 hours labor time plus the parts. I have a feeling this is going to be a pretty simple repair…..IF you can find a shop that is willing to work with you….dealerships don’t understand that concept very well.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Hello again Austin,

Thanks for the Great info. I did file a claim with my auto insurance, and all but the starter will be covered (minus the deductible). The shop did show me the harness, or should I say what was left. There was damage to most of the wiring. But since the insurance covers it, it’s not a big deal. But Thanks again for the excellent advice.

Best Regards,
Paul

Cost to Replace Wire Harness on my 96 Toyota Corolla?