HELP. Wiring issue

Hi,
I’m currently in the process of buying a 1999 4runner. The things sweet, minimal rust, 60,000 miles. however the original main wiring harness was chewed through and the guy has a new one partially installed. after talking to the local toyota dealership it seems they want nothing to do with finishing up the install. curious if anyone’s ever done the main wiring harness install themselves. i’m trying to figure out if i can save myself the trouble of trying to find a mechanic that will take on this project. i’d consider myself a youtube mechanic, pretty much anything that doesn’t require lifting the engine is within my wheel house. if this is a project i could take on, where would i start? let me know what you guys think, i’m excited to be a 4runner owner again!

 

I'd call this vehicle a gem if it really has 60K miles on it. Was it in storage for a portion of its life? What caused the wire harness damage? mice? Is so, what makes you sure that the damage is limited to the wire harness and not elsewhere? Specific to the wire harness, what you need is the shop manual and the wiring diagram. If you were to take your time, you should be able to reinstall the wiring. I think, the bigger issue is what else could be wrong with the car that you may not know now.

 

i believe the damage was done by mice, what other damage could that have caused? i figured that i won’t be able to determine if it needs additional work until i can start it. What would you recommend that i look for?

 

Well if the mice have destroyed the wire harness, chances are they've also made it in inside the cabin and done damage there too. Mice are incontinent so the telltale signs are droppings along their primary pathways or at their nests.

 

Don't get me started... Vacuum lines, brake fluid sensor, something with the power steering, and the air box. All told, $7650 worth of damage on a 2019 TRD Tacoma that sat for 10 days during a vacation. Shop thinks it was squirrels. Insurance covered all but the deductible.

 

If you're not good with a factory schematic, HARD PASS.

I can read a factory schematic but I find very few people who can. And, no, Chilton's or Haynes wiring diagrams don't count.