Fuel and gauge connection/connector?

1988 DODGE DAKOTA
3.9L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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E2BELLAMY
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  • 5 POSTS
Hello. My truck has a 5-pin wire connector that breaks off from my fuel and pump gauge connection up under my truck headed towards the rear and the female half of this connector is compromised. I need a replacement but can't find any for my make and model online. Was wondering if I could just use any old 5 pin with circular contacts because I want to drive my truck man.
Oct 20, 2023 at 12:26 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

As long as the connection is correct (the correct wires are joining), you can use any type of connector. Just make sure it is something that will hold up and not come disconnected.

If possible, take a couple of pics of the connector that is damaged and upload them for me to see. I may have some suggestions.

Take care,

Joe
Oct 20, 2023 at 4:07 PM
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E2BELLAMY
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You are a lifesaver. I been trying to find that out for three weeks now.
Oct 21, 2023 at 4:10 AM
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E2BELLAMY
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Here are the pictures one for the connector I got to replace and one for the connection I got to make.
Oct 21, 2023 at 4:12 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

As long as that fits securely into the module, you should be fine. Take your time and make sure the correct color wire on the vehicle is connected to the same pin in the new connector. They need to be aligned so that each pin is in the same order as the original one.

Take care and let me know how things work out for you.

Joe
Oct 21, 2023 at 12:55 PM
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E2BELLAMY
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Hello, I am back. I apologize I may have miscommunicated but that's the old connector that I need to replace, now if I get another electrical housing that's similar or could fit into that third picture would I be able to repin the wires myself and connect it that way?
Thank you for all your help, sir you have been a great.
Oct 23, 2023 at 10:31 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
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Hi,

Yes, you could do that. However, you may want to see if there is one in a salvage yard, so you don't need to repin it. Interestingly, I tried to find you an aftermarket one, but everyone I found has a 4-pin connector. However, if you have a connector that properly fits, certainly you can make it work.

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Joe
Oct 23, 2023 at 11:42 AM
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E2BELLAMY
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Got it all hooked up and the truck read fuel and whatnot. Turned over as well so whatever happens from here is a plus honestly. I ended up pulling a five pin from a 93 at pick and pull.
Oct 30, 2023 at 1:20 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

That's good news, and thanks for the update. I did find a lot of 4-pin connectors but no 5-pin. I'm not sure why. Regardless, it sounds like you made the 5-pin connector work you got at the salvage yard. I'm glad to know that.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
Oct 31, 2023 at 11:03 AM
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