How to find a wiring diagram for your car
How to Find the Right Car Wiring Diagram for Your Car
Wiring diagrams are detailed schematics that show the connections and layout of the car’s electrical components. Here’s a guide to help you find a wiring diagram for your car, covering various sources and methods.
Purchase Online Access to the Carmaker’s Service Manual
The most reliable source for a wiring diagram for your car is the manufacturer’s service manual. These manuals are produced by the car’s manufacturer and contain detailed information about the vehicle, including wiring diagrams. You can usually find these manuals through the following methods:
Acura— Acura offers access to their Service Information System for 1 day for for $40, 30-days for $150, or an annual subscription for $1,500. Click here to access the sign-in page at Acura
Audi— Audi offers access to their erWin Portal for 1 day for $35, 3 days for $60, 1 month for $250, or an annual subscription for $2,000. Click here to access the sign-in page at Audi
BMW— BMW offers access to their Technical Information System for 1 day for $32, 1 month for $270, or an annual subscription for $2,700. Click here to access the sign-in page at BMW
Chrysler/Dodge/Eagle/Jeep/Plymouth— Chrysler offers access to their Mopar Technical Service Portal (TSP) for 1 day for $40, 1 month for $150, or an annual subscription for $1,500. Click here to access the sign-in page at Chrysler
Ford/Lincoln/Mercury— Ford offers access to their Ford Service Info site for 1 day for $26.34, 1 month for $341, or an annual subscription for $2,834. Click here to access the sign-in page at Ford
General Motors(Buick/Cadillac/Chevrolet/Geo/GMC/Hummer/Oldsmobile/Pontiac/Saturn)— GM offers access to their ACDelco Technical Delivery System for 3 days for $22, 1 month for $168, or an annual subscription for $1,344. Click here to access the sign-in page at GM
Honda— Honda offers access to their Service Information System (SIS) for 1 day for $45, 1 month for $200, or an annual subscription for $1,800. Click here to access the sign-in page at Honda
Hyundai— Hyundai offers access to their HyundaiTechInfo Service Information for 1 day for $40, 1 month for $60, or an annual subscription for $600. Click here to access the sign-in page at Hyundai
Infiniti— Infiniti offers access to their TechInfo service for 1 day for $30, 1 month for $115, 90 days for $375, or an annual subscription for $1,125. Click here to access the sign-in page at Infiniti
Isuzu— Isuzu offers access to their TechInfo service for 1 day for $20, 1 month for $150, or an annual subscription for $1650. Click here to access the sign-in page at Isuzu
Jaguar— Jaguar offers access to their TOPIx service for 1 day for $23, 1 month for $205, or an annual subscription for $1200. Click here to access the sign-in page at Jaguar
Kia— Kia offers access to their Kia Global Information System (KGIS) for 3 days for $19, 1 month for $150, or an annual subscription for $1500. Click here to access the sign-in page at Kia
Land Rover— Land Rover offers access to their TOPIx service for 2 days for $25, 1 month for $95, or an annual subscription for $505. Click here to access the sign-in page at Land Rover
Lexus— Lexus offers access to their TIS Technical Information System for 1 day for $23, 1 month for $205, or an annual subscription for $1200. Click here to access the sign-in page at Lexus
Mazda— Mazda offers access to their Electronic Service Information (ESI) for 1 day for $20, 1 month for $200, or an annual subscription for $2500. Click here to access the sign-in page at Mazda
Mercedes-Benz— Mercedes-Benz offers access to their ISP Portal for 1 day for $18, 1 month for $300, or an annual subscription for $2500. Click here to access the sign-in page at Mercedes-Benz
Mitsubishi— Mitsubishi offers access to their Mitsubishi Motors Service Information Retrieval for 1 day for $20, 1 week for $100, 1 month for $250, or an annual subscription for $1500. Click here to access the sign-in page at Mitsubishi
Nissan— offers access to their TechInfo service for 1 day for $30, 1 month for $115, 90 days for $375, or an annual subscription for $1,125. Click here to access the sign-in page at Nissan
Porsche— Porsche offers access to their TSI portal for 1 day for $110, or an annual subscription for $5200. Click here to access the sign-in page at Porsche
Subaru— Subaru offers access to their Subaru Technical Information System for 3 days for $35, 1 month for $300, or an annual subscription for $2500. Click here to access the sign-in page at Subaru
Tesla— Tesla offers access to their shop manuals for 1 day for $107, 1 month for $372, or an annual subscription for $3187. Click here to access the sign-in page at Tesla
Toyota— Toyota offers access to their TOPIx service for 1 day for $25, 1 month for $95, or an annual subscription for $505. Click here to access the sign-in page at Toyota
Volkswagen— Volkswagen offers access to their eWIN for 1 day for $35, 1 month for $225, or an annual subscription for $1100. Click here to access the sign-in page at Volkswagen
Volvo— Volvo offers access to their service for 1 day for $40.50, 1 month for $322.50, or an annual subscription for $3225. Click here to access the sign-in page at Volvo
NOTE: Prices are accurate as of July, 2024. Prices subject to change. See the OEM website for the latest prices
Find wiring diagrams for your car from online automotive repair websites
There are several websites dedicated to providing automotive repair information, including wiring diagrams. These resources can be particularly useful if you don’t have access to the manufacturer’s service manual. Some popular options include:
AllDataDIY.com— AllData provides detailed automotive repair information, including wiring diagrams. It’s a subscription-based service that covers a wide range of vehicles. They often have diagrams that are not available in the public domain. Subscription Rates: 1 month for $20, 1 year for $60, or 3 years for $130.
Mitchell Eautorepair.net— Another subscription-based service, Mitchell1 offers comprehensive repair guides and wiring diagrams. It’s commonly used by professional mechanics. 1 month for $20, 1 year for $40, or 4 years for $60.
AutoZone— AutoZone owns Alldata and offers some free access to repair guides and wiring diagrams for a wide range of vehicles. However, you’ll need to create an account and add your vehicle.
Public Libraries and Educational Institutions Offer Free Access To Auto Repair Information
Public libraries and technical colleges often have collections of automotive repair manuals, including wiring diagrams. These resources can be especially useful if you’re working on an older vehicle or if you prefer printed materials. Many libraries offer access to digital databases of repair manuals, which can be accessed remotely with a library card.
Be wary of free wiring diagrams for your car
It’s all bootleg information
No carmaker wants their repair information posted for free. So, as soon as these sites pop up, the carmakers try to shut them down. All the information on those sites are bootleg copies, and some are infected with viruses. so be very careful when downloading those files and run them through a virus checker before opening the file.
The wiring diagrams might not be right for your vehicle. This is the most misunderstood concept when searching for a wiring diagram for your car. There’s no one-size-fits-all wiring diagram for your year, make, and model. The wiring diagram can vary by the model trim, where it’s assembled, which engine/transmission combination it has, and even which fuel it uses. See the examples below
Example: Find a Wiring diagram for a sensor
We’ve found the section for electrical. But wait, look at all these sub categories! Now we have to choose the EXACT engine we’re working on. Is it a 2.2 liter or a 3.0 liter? Is it powered by gasoline or compressed natural gas. Does it have an immobilizer system (anti-theft) or did it ship without an immobilizer system? Is it a 3.0 liter with California emissions or without?
Want to find a car wiring diagram for a sensor? Look at all these choices
Got that? Made your choice? Now, you’ve got three or four more pages to look through to find the MAF sensor. So you see, there are over 17 pages of car wiring diagrams just dealing with engine performance sensors for this one year, make, model. Ask for the wiring diagram for a MAF sensor on a 2000 Toyota Camry, without any other information and there is NO way anybody can help you.
Wiring diagram for exterior lights
Let’s try this again. This time let’s say you’ve asked for a wiring diagram for your backup lights. Is it a 2.2 liter or 3.0 liter? Is it powered by gasoline or compressed natural gas?
You’ve even got choices when it comes to something as simple as a wiring diagram for backup lights.
The best place to find wiring diagrams
Based on all the different wiring diagrams shown here, 2.2 liter with and without CNG, with and without an immobilizer, or a 3.0 liter with or without California emissions, you’re simply not going to find the RIGHT wiring diagram for FREE online. You may find a diagram, but is it the right one?
©, 2017 Rick Muscoplat