Rust is slowly killing my truck... please help

I am installing new rear O2 sensors, because rust destroyed the stock ones. When I went to install the new sensors the wiring on the female-end (the end connected to the truck) disintegrated in my hand. Basically I need a new harness that sends the signal from the O2 sensor to the ECU. Can anyone tell me what that is called?


Even though the picture in my signature is awesome, it wasn't worth ripping around on the beach for months. I advise against it. (I did wash my truck after EVERY trip to the beach)

 

Update:

Answered my own question. It's part of the engine wiring harness. The harness is integrated with a lot of stuff including the transmission. Toyota wanted $1000 for a brand new harness. I said shove it. Found one that's in the junk yard for $350.

 

The female end is plastic. I've replaced both of mine and I'm curious how it disintegrated. Not questioning your issue just about the process that let to its destruction. Salt erodes plastic? I've also wondered what entails replacing the other end of the A/F ratio sensors.

 

So, I plastic connector is fine. One of the wires broke off the back of the connector right at the base (not leaving enough to reattach. I plan on just cutting one of the connectors from the junkyard harness and soldering it in. I found a part number for just the connector, but I can't source the pins and wiring that would insert in.

 

Yeah that's a bitch of a location to solder in, but good luck. I wonder how it plugs into the ecu? Sucks that it would cost so much.

 

And that's just the cost of the part. To install the harness they have to drop the trans. You're looking at hours of labor.

 

You're about as useful as a poopie flavored lollipop

 

Kill rust as soon as you can, it's like cancer. Get out your grinder and clean any rust spots down to shiny metal and paint it.

 

Is that wiring one piece or is there a junk box somewhere? If there is a junk box than maybe replace until than?
other wise it has to be solder and it has to be solder good. Those things work on resistance so if solder is not perfect its going to be spooking computer. Take your time do it right first time. Prep time is the most important in soldering.

 

every other marquee I've replaced an O2 on, I've used a Bosch aftermarket that comes with a weather pack. The weather pack creates a way to splice into the existing harness with a proper crimped connection. Because you can't solder SS wire. Works like a charm.

And there is nothing wrong with driving on the beach. The salt content in the sand is minimal and easily pressure washed away.

But driving in the surf to make those sexy splashing sliding videos, well, yuck.

As someone else suggested, finding where it's started, grinding bare, patching as needed, then using an encapsulator like POR15 or the one from www.Monstaliner.com is your best preservation method.