How to Test Wires So I can cut dead wires?

[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