98 Protege Wire harness: Repair or scrap car? :-(

[jujube]

I did a bad thing yesterday:

My ashtray was full of stubs, stubbed out the last one, went into my office. One hour later was told my car was smoking.

The ashtray was smoldering, had melted through the bottom, the glob of hot plastic+butts had landed on the storage area below, had melted through that, and melted plastic was landing on the area below.

So, I see the ECU, and the wire harness(es) with brittle plastic on the connector. All Electrical seems to work OK, except that the main 30A fuse for Injectors (in main fuse box under hood) blows; replaced it twice, and it blows upon starting.

Is it worth trying to repair? One service shop quoted $400 for a replacement harness, and 2 hours labor (total $650), but also said no guarantee if ECU needs replacing.

Car has 135K on it.

Haven't been able to find online any pricing for a replacement harness, but probably since I don't know the best search keywords.

Any suggestions/advice/questions sincerely appreciated!

P.S. Yes, I have stopped smoking as of yesterday.
P.P.S Yes, I know it is my fault, and I deserve it, and am probably damned to hell.
P.P.P.S Yes, I do have another car, a 2009 Mazda5, in which I have never smoked, and will use for commuting.

 

[91Protege]

Id say try to get the harness out of a junk car, and an ecu also just incase. 1 of the wires has to be cut, you might be able to fix it if you pull it apart and take a look.

 

[StealthWyvern]

try car-parts.com for your harness.

 

[ehnihl]

That sucks man....lol

 

[jujube]

Thanks!

Thanks for the suggestions and the sympathy!

Am searching through car-parts.com now...had planned on visiting two local caryards this weekend.

First challenge/decision is:
1. Do I spend $$ to get the car towed to my house first, then figure out whether to repair myself;

OR

2. Donate it 'as-is' to a needy charity ("Silicon Valley Shelter for Homeless Nymphomaniacs") and take a tax deduction.


Rest of the car is in great condition; but... I don't really need a commuter car since I already have the Mazda5 that I am making payments on, and I am the only driver at home.

What to do, what to do.....

Thanks again.

 

[lantech19446]

ok so maybe i'm focusing on the wrong part of your message but is that a real charity? I can't imagine more guys wouldn't give them a place to stay and a shower for at least a night lol