Aaargh! Stupid plastic hinges

I have installed the Muth Signal Mirrors in my H3, and decided to add the heated mirror option as well.  I needed to run an additional wire for the heaters, so apart my Hummer came yet again.  The connector that locks the door wire bundle into the door connector had to come off, and as I had taken it apart a number of times already, when I finally got the wire run through the mirror, door and cable bundle, and went to clip the connector assembly back on, the plastic hinge that holds it together broke.  Now I need go to Gm and get another connector.  Meanwhile, my door is off, and my windows down, and I cannot drive it around!  So, boys and girls, be extra careful when working on connectors that have plastic parts.  They can break, and if plastic, too much flexing can cause them to break.
 

thx for the heads up

Post some pics of them bad boys when your done.  How difficult was the install?

quote:

ORIGINAL: RutDogg

Post some pics of them bad boys when your done.  How difficult was the install?

 
The mirror signal lamps would be classified as medium difficulty IMO.  The instructions with photos are really good, and as long as your mechanically inclined and able, not too hard.  Where I ran into trouble is running the second wire for the heated mirror option.  The original signal wire install had you drill a hole through a set of cable connectors where no pins were present, and I tried to use the same hole for the extra wire.  The hole was too small for both to fit easily, so I ended up having to take apart all of the work I had previously done, hence the extra opening and closing of one of the cable clamps causing repeated stress o the plastic hinge and the break.  So far, I have taken most of the truck apart in my efforts to install all the crap I am adding to it.  Once this project is done, the backup camera should go in,and then the rear roof marker lights.

I know that this is off topic, since the topic is: Aaargh!  Stupid plastic hinges, but since you stated that you've taken most of the truck apart I figured you'd be the one to ask.  So, have you ever removed the center console? I noticed that there are 3 screws on each side in the back along side of the seat bottoms, but it appears that the seats would need to be removed to get to them. I was wondering where else or how else it was connected. I want to run the ipod cable from the spec-USA ipod adapter into the center console so it can sit in the top tray.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Voodoo

I know that this is off topic, since the topic is: Aaargh!  Stupid plastic hinges, but since you stated that you've taken most of the truck apart I figured you'd be the one to ask.  So, have you ever removed the center console? I noticed that there are 3 screws on each side in the back along side of the seat bottoms, but it appears that the seats would need to be removed to get to them. I was wondering where else or how else it was connected. I want to run the ipod cable from the spec-USA ipod adapter into the center console so it can sit in the top tray.

 
The centre console is one thing I have not touched yet.  I have read to remove it you do need to unbolt the seats however.

Karl, where did you get the MUTH's??
 
I've been contemplating getting them for a couple of years, especially since the wife's Escalade has them!!

quote:

ORIGINAL: HummBob

Karl, where did you get the MUTH's??

I've been contemplating getting them for a couple of years, especially since the wife's Escalade has them!!

   Ebay, where else?  Used the Best Offer option and saved quite a few bucks off ordering them off their web site.
 
I say go for it!
 
Here are some heated ones on ebay (but if yours are not currently heated you need to get their HMOD kit as well)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HEATED-SIGNAL-MIRRORS-HUMMER-Hummer-H2-AMBER-2003-2006_W0QQitemZ220091442996QQcategoryZ33649QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
Non heated
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MUTH-SIGNAL-MIRRORS-HUMMER-Hummer-H3-2005-2006_W0QQitemZ220091562345QQcategoryZ33649QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

What "BEST OFFER" did he accept

The heated H3 ones I bought were more than the H2 ones are going for.  I offered $30 US less than they were listed.  I think they only accept bids from US accounts.  If you need some "help", I have an "in", could save you some more $$$. 

if you need a US account let me know.
 
I'm not exactly sure what part you are talking about but the easiest thing to do when running new wires into the door is to just drill a 1/4 hole in the door near the factory wire harness and just add your own waterproof grommet. Factory harnesses are always a PITA to work with.

quote:

ORIGINAL: importkiller

if you need a US account let me know.

I'm not exactly sure what part you are talking about but the easiest thing to do when running new wires into the door is to just drill a 1/4 hole in the door near the factory wire harness and just add your own waterproof grommet. Factory harnesses are always a PITA to work with.

 
I have a US ebay acount myself thanks.  I wish I had known about the harness before I started. I had debated drilling a new hole and using a grommet as I've done in past vehicles, but the instructions seemed to make it look easy and would result in a totally hidden install.  The stupid harness clip I broke only comes with the whole harness, I found out today, so it would be $242 to get the part I need.  I am just going to make a new hinge and glue it to the old clip.  Hope to have the H3 back on the road soon.

good god, for $242 bucks I'd have electrical tape and tie wraps every way I could think of to hold that damn thing in...lol

quote:

ORIGINAL: importkiller

good god, for $242 bucks I'd have electrical tape and tie wraps every way I could think of to hold that damn thing in...lol

 
You know it.  Originally I thought "It's a stupid plastic clip, can't be that much!"  My jaw dropped when they told me the price.  So fixing it I will be this weekend.

Got EM!!!! $215 USD!!!!
 
Sweet!! Thanks for the heads up Karl!!!

quote:

ORIGINAL: HummBob

Got EM!!!! $215 USD!!!!

Sweet!! Thanks for the heads up Karl!!!

 
Don't forget to choose color.  They come in red or amber.  Also ask for the HMOD kit if needed, they will give you a deal on this too.

quote:

ORIGINAL: littlehummerboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: HummBob

Got EM!!!! $215 USD!!!!

Sweet!! Thanks for the heads up Karl!!!

Don't forget to choose color.  They come in red or amber.  Also ask for the HMOD kit if needed, they will give you a deal on this too.

 
I already chose RED, what's HMOD???

If you ordered the heated signal mirror model, and your truck does not already have heated side mirrors, you need their HMOD (Heated Mirrors On Demand) module as well.  This will wire in with an extra switch to heat your mirrors up.  It's around $50-$60 I think.
 

Ordered HEATED MIRRORS, already have them, so I guess I'm Good To Go!!!
 
Thanks again for the heads up!!!
 
 
 
 

Hey buddy, I have a great set of pick/tool thingies that I picked up from the local Snap-On man that has the answer. They are made to fit almost any major auto manufaturers electrical connectors and have been a real life saver. Don't know the Snappy part no# but look at their stuff and ask. They know how to sell you and take ALL YOUR MONEY. I know and am eternally gratefull for it.......my wife hates Snap-On. She says the Snappy Guy is a Tool Whore, always showing his stuff 'till we guys gotta have it.

LHB I have 2 word for U...Duct Tape...

I just epoxied on a new piece of plastic to form a new hinge.  All better now.