How to Test Wires So I can cut dead wires?

[shoop]

Hi, I posted this in SSV forum trying to see how to manage this mess of wires. One way is to cut them. Trouble is I'm concerned if I cut any of those wires could be bad. Can anyone provide steps on how to use a multimeter for this issue so I can go ahead cutting back these wires.

 

[Mickey_7106]

are you deleting an aftermarket sound system?

 

[shoop]

iThis a SSV. Wires were hooked up to radios and strobes I believe. Would like to do a hair cut on wires but not sure if any wires are live I need to avoid

 

[mikez71]

Generally larger red wires are power. put probe on wire, other probe on a good ground and see if there is voltage. Might be a smaller auxillary fuse box underhood somewhere..

Do you have power in cargo area? Some grounding terminals on the sides? I'm curious because I'm planning to run power to the cargo area. If you find an extra fusebox or other electrical goods you don't want.. I might want to buy it from you..

Here is some 2012 SSV info..

https://www.gmupfitter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2012-Police-Specifications-Manual-9-29-11.pdf

Your wiring on page 104-111

 

[OR VietVet]

Start with a 12 volt test light and track the source of power. If not needed, rip it out and move to next one.

 

[Mickey_7106]

Assuming that you don't need any of those wires for anything else, i would disconnect the battery and cut back all of it and shrink wrap the ends individually, so that they don't accidentally make contact with metal or other bare wires.

Removing the knee covers of the dash may offer more room to track down where all those wires lead

 

[Shackman7878]

Hi, I posted this in SSV forum trying to see how to manage this mess of wires. One way is to cut them. Trouble is I'm concerned if I cut any of those wires could be bad. Can anyone provide steps on how to use a multimeter for this issue so I can go ahead cutting back these wires.

I seen your post in the PPV section I would look at a Test light easier to use for now, If you have a little money and want to get a decent tool look into a Power probe type tool.

With a test light you can go basic with a bulb, or they sell them with screen that tells you the voltage, Power probe will tell you if you have a ground or Battery positive with a tone and light on the screen, you can also power circuits with it the only issues is you put power on the wrong wire/ground you will short something or if your lucky blow a fuse.

On the test lights you hook up the Clip to Ground if the light turns on you have found battery positive, if you hook it to Battery positive and the light comes on you found a ground. With a test light you can took it to the battery or cigarette lighter.

 

[Fless]

Be sure to test in all key positions: off, run, and start.

 

[shoop]

Generally larger red wires are power. put probe on wire, other probe on a good ground and see if there is voltage. Might be a smaller auxillary fuse box underhood somewhere..

Do you have power in cargo area? Some grounding terminals on the sides? I'm curious because I'm planning to run power to the cargo area. If you find an extra fusebox or other electrical goods you don't want.. I might want to buy it from you..

Here is some 2012 SSV info..

https://www.gmupfitter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2012-Police-Specifications-Manual-9-29-11.pdf

Your wiring on page 104-111

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

 

[shoop]

Assuming that you don't need any of those wires for anything else, i would disconnect the battery and cut back all of it and shrink wrap the ends individually, so that they don't accidentally make contact with metal or other bare wires.

I like this idea. So it doesn’t matter whether a wire is live or not if you cut it, just that the power is off?

Is this what you mean by shrink wrap? https://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-heat-shrink-wire-wrap-assortment-9639.html

Would electrical tape work good too or is shrink wrap a lot better?