Hi Scotty, I have a 2010 Toyota RAV4. I took it to the dealership for get a few things repaired including an inoperable cargo door sensor. The cause of this was traced back to the right front harness, located by the kickpannel being fairly corroded. So green stuff. This is a fairly significant harness. The Toyota service advisor said to replace this harness would be thousands. He indicated that it was likely caused by a leak in a replaced winshield. He said a private mechanic may be able to "clean" up the connector hopefully preventing further issues. I saw you clean a connector with CRC Electronic cleaner. Would it be wise for me to give this a shot myself or should I first see if I can find a mechanic to do this? Also is there any other techniques I might use to clean this connector? Do I have to be overly worried about making things worse? The service advisior made it sound like working on this connector/harness was a very sensitive.
that whole section the harness that got wet has to be replaced, plus more because moisture travels along wires.
They are compromised and no good any more. It's a big, expensive job.
If you try the easy way out, you'll just end up with problems again in a few months.
Most mechanics do not like repairing water damage, because of repeat "come-backs". Many will over-quote or just flat out refuse.
by "clean up", he might have meant cut out the damaged wiring and patch it up.
Thanks. Beside the keyless button on the cargo door not working everything is fine.
I am in the process of trying to determine and eliminate the leak so having the windshield water tested today.
I can't see why trying to clean the corrosion out would be worse than leaving it unless the corrosion is actually keeping contact functioning.
I guess once I have eliminated the leak I will go To a shop that said they will look at it.
I really want to get this fixed as my RAV is in great shape and I want to drive it for at least a couple more years The idea that a corroded harness could end a vehicle is beyond me .
Good luck at whatever shop you end up at. I made the mistake of buying a flooded 1987 bmw, harness are a sob to work on from my own personal experience. I would also not recommend working on it yourself unless you have some base experience with it. Cleaning the connection points might get you lucky but it at most is a temporary fix.