How to Replace the Obscure Tail Light Wiring in a 1987 Yugo

Introduction

Replacing the tail light wiring in an old Yugo can be a tricky process, especially since accessing the wiring is obscured behind the tail light assembly. However, with some patience and the right tools, it is a doable job for the weekend mechanic. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk through all the steps needed to successfully replace the obscure tail light wiring in a 1987 Yugo.

Gather the Right Tools and Materials

Before starting, you will need to gather some basic tools and materials:

• Wire strippers
• Crimpers
• Soldering iron
• Heat shrink tubing
• Electrical tape
• New automotive wiring
• Philips screwdriver
• Flashlight

Having all the proper tools and parts on hand will make the wiring replacement much easier. You don't want to start taking things apart only to find you're missing something crucial!

Safely Removing the Tail Light Assembly

With your tools gathered, it's time to dive into the repair. The first step is removing the tail light assembly to access the wiring. Here is the process:

1. Disconnect the battery

• Locate the battery under the hood and disconnect the negative terminal. This will cut power to the tail light circuit and prevent electrical shocks.

2. Remove interior trunk panel

• Open the trunk and use a Philips screwdriver to remove any screws or clips holding the interior trunk panel in place.

• Gently pull the panel away to expose the tail light wiring.

3. Remove the tail light lens

• Use a Philips screwdriver to unscrew the small screws around the perimeter of the tail light lens.

• Carefully remove the lens to expose the bulb sockets.

4. Remove the bulb sockets

• Twist each bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise to release it.

• Pull the sockets straight out of the tail light housing.

With the tail light assembly removed, you now have access to the obscure wiring needing replacement.

Repairing the Obscure Tail Light Wiring

Here are the steps to replacing the tail light wires:

1. Inspect the wiring

• Use a flashlight to closely inspect the wiring coming into the tail light housing. Look for cracking, peeling insulation, corrosion, etc.

• Determine how much wiring needs replacement. Cut away any severely damaged sections.

2. Cut and install new wiring

• Measure and cut replacement wiring long enough to reach from the tail light opening to wherever the wiring routes into the body.

• Use crimp connectors to attach the new wiring to the existing good wires. Soldering the connections will provide extra strength.

• Slide heat shrink tubing over each connection and apply heat to seal it.

3. Secure the new wiring

• Use zip ties anchored to solid points in the trunk to secure the new wiring neatly in place.

• Avoid tight bends and keep wiring away from sharp edges or anything that could rub through the insulation.

• Wrap connections with electrical tape for extra protection.

Thoroughly inspect and test your work before reassembling. The obscure tail light wiring should now be repaired!

Reinstalling the Tail Light Assembly

With the new wiring installed, it's time to button things back up:

1. Reinstall bulb sockets

• Line up the bulb sockets and press straight into the tail light housing until they click into place.

• Give a gentle tug to ensure they are locked in.

2. Reinstall tail light lens

• Place the lens over the housing and screw the perimeter screws back into place using a Philips screwdriver.

• Do not overtighten.

3. Reattach interior trunk panel

• Line up any clips and press the panel back into place.

• Replace any retaining screws.

4. Reconnect battery

• Reconnect the negative battery terminal. This will restore power to the tail lights.

Testing Your Repair

Before hitting the road, verify that your hard work paid off:

• Turn on the headlights and have a helper look at the tail lights. Both sides should illuminate brightly and evenly.

• Check that the brake lights come on when the pedal is pressed.

• Confirm that the turn signals flash properly when activated.

If any lights fail to operate, recheck your wiring connections. With the obscure wiring replaced successfully, you can now drive with bright, reliable tail lights!

Conclusion

Replacing the tail light wiring in an old Yugo takes some time and elbow grease, especially dealing with the obscure routing. But with the right tools, materials, and little perseverance, this is a DIY repair any weekend mechanic can tackle. Follow the steps outlined here to safely access the wiring, make quality repairs, and get your Yugo's tail lights shining bright again!