Using Deutsch Automotive Connectors

So, for Project Ram, I am starting to dive into more electrical related projects. As connectors are an essential part to making something maintainable- I really felt I needed to upgrade the connectors I was using.

For my last major automotive project, Because, Racecar, you may, or may not have noticed the molex connectors I used in my Dash Fabrication Project.

While- they did work, they are not at all suitable, not to mention.... lack of water resistance, vibration resistance, etc...

So- this week, I decided to pick up a relatively cheap kit for Deutsch DT connectors and give them a try. These are a commonly used automotive connector, with locking pins, vibration resistance, and water resistance.

Disclaimers

This is NOT sponsored content. I purchased these with my money, out of my pocket, for use in my personal projects.

There ARE affiliated links used in this post. If, you do not agree with my use of affiliate links, there is no expectation or requirements for you to use them.

Parts Used

After digging around on Amazon for a while, I did see there are a few different crimp styles used for the pins.

First- you have standard crimp/solder pins, like these:

There are also barrel style pins, which requires a special crimping tool

For my purposes, I decided to try out the 4-indent barrel crimp, as it appeared it is a very easy to use tool, which produces secure looking crimps.

I decided to give the random-name, cheap 416 piece kit a try.

Amazon - 416 Piece Deutsch DT Connector Kit[^amazon]

If needed, there are cheaper options available too, for under 30$.

• Amazon - 174 piece Deutsch DT Connector Kit
• Amazon - 228 Pieces Deutsch DT Connector Kit

Getting Started

Tonights project was building a wiring harness for the Water/Meth injection controller for Project Ram.

While- I typically don't write too many tool or product reviews, etc... I am writing this one as the kit I acquired did not include any directions. And while figuring out how to assemble the connectors is not hard, I am still sharing for the event it might help someone else.

Step 1. Trim wires to an equal length.

Trim the wires. Mine had been pulled off of project "Because, Racecar", and had been shoved into a box for years. The first step was just to trim the ends to an equal length.

Step 2. Acquire needed parts.

Since, my controller had a total of 6 wires, I used a 6-pin connector.

You will need the Male, and Female connector, and 12 pins total (6 male, 6 female). You will need the "wedge" blocks as well.

Step 3. Push wires through rubber seal, Then Strip

I would recommend you strip the wires AFTER pushing them through the seal. Makes things a hair easier.

After you insert the wires, you will need to strip around a quarter inch of wire. For you metric folks, its about the width of tip of your pinky.

Step 4. Crimp Pins

Assuming, you picked up connectors using the barrel crimp pins, the process is simple.

Put the barrel thing on your wire, Insert into the tool, squeeze handle. Done. The tool will not allow you to insert it too far.

Step 5. Heatshrink

Since, I neglected to take a picture, I am borrowing a picture from later on in this post. Slide your heatshrink over the pin and wire, and heatshrink on.

While, this step is not required, It makes me feel better.

Step 6. Push into rear of connector.

Easy enough, just push the pins in, and they will lightly click into place.

Note- they will not be fully secured until the "wedge" is inserted.

View from the other side.

Step 7. Insert pin lock

Make sure to grab the correct wedge thing! If you are doing the "Female" side of the plug, which uses "Male" pins, it would be the "Green" piece. NOT the orange wedge!!

Push on it, and it will snap into place.

Danger

I CAN tell you, the WRONG piece will fit as well! It will look funny, and it can be a bit of a pain to remove.

Don't do this:

Step 8. "Male" side of the connector

For the harness on this side, I used a few lengths of wire I had laying around in spools.

When placing the wires in the seal, make sure to put them int the correct order!!

Although, if you do mess up the order, its quite easy to pull the wires and pins back out, and reinsert in the correct order.

As with before, strip the wires a quarter inch, place on the barrel pins, and crimp on.

Make sure to use the female pins, when doing the male connector.

(Optionally) Add your heat shrink.

As with the other connector, push the pins into the connector, in the correct order.

The "Wedges" will be used to lock the pins for the male connector. Push it into place.

Warn

Make sure to put the rubber seal back on beforehand. its missing in this picture.

If you miss adding the seal, the wedge will pull back out without too much effort.

Afterwards, you have a fully functional water resistant connector. Don't forget to push the bushing up into the connector.

I added sheathing to better protect the cables, and to make it look prettier. I will cut everything to final length during the install process.

Final Product

Sorry- for the under-par image quality. The sun goes down pretty quick.

My Opinions

Having worked with a few types of connectors, I'm a fan of these.

The 4-indent crimper seems to do a great job making secure crimps. I tugged on the cables a bit to test, and everything else secure.

The images you see above, are of my first time putting together one of these connectors, AND without instructions. I'm sure a few flaws can be noticed, but, the point being, is the process is pretty simple and straight forward.

These connectors do seem to be relatively easy to re-pin, if/when needed as well. Pop out the wedges/locks, and re-pin as needed.

My Opinions versus Metripack

Comparing these to the metripack, weatherpack, and molex connectors I have used in the past, I am a big fan of the 4-indent crimps. They honestly seem to make pretty great quality crimps. Using 'Reasonable' force, I was unable to pull any of the wires loose from the pins.

My experience with Metripack, I VASTLY prefer the solid pins from these Deutsch connectors. Look at This Metripack Product Posting[^amazon]. In the image, top left of the box, you can see the pins used.

While, I have plenty of hardware for working with the metripack connectors, I was not a fan of the flimsy feeling pins. Or feeling like I was going to break and deform them every time I crimped one. The connection also did not feel nearly as secure.

To me, the wedge in the deutsch connectors feels superior.

In addition, I hate these little things.

Remember, the big bushing/seal we pushed the wires through earlier? For metripack each cable has its own seal. You have to individually push each one through.

My Opinions versus Molex

You really shouldn't use molex for automotive projects. Its not designed for it. Its not rated for vibration, or water.

Just don't.

Disclaimers

This content is not sponsored

None of the content, or products used in this post was sponsored.

Any products tested, were purchased out of my pocket, and tested without cooperation with the manufacturer.

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