Chrysler Repair: Transmission fluid effect on wiring., wire insulation, wiring harnesses

Question
You helped solve the problem with a blown fuse on our 1996 Grand Voyager which was shorting out where the spark coil feed line wrapped around the transmission filler tube, had worn through the tape and coating, and shorted when the brakes were applied because the wire was strechted against the tube as the motor moved on its mounts.  Question:  Do you know if ATF 4 fluid degrades black electrical tape or wire coating?  Do I need to add some sort of plastic protector between the tape and the tube to prevent this from happening again the in future (the minivan goes through about a quart of ATF every 10,000 miles, so some seems to get spilled down the tube side even though I am careful.)

Answer
Hi JonnyD,
I don't believe that trans fluid is harmful to wire insulation or to the tape itself of electrical tape. I would suspect that the adhesive of the tape would be harmed by contact with the fluid, as regards its adhesive abilities. I would suggest that you get some some coiled plastic material that can be used as a cylindrical shield around the wire, to provide physical protection against mechanical rubbing of the wire against the metal surface. I believe you would call this a form of electrical "spaghetti" in the parlance of the trade. Look over the wiring harnesses of the van and you will no doubt see several examples of such protective materials. If you visit a trade type of auto parts store (one that would be associated with providing parts to repair shops/mechanics) you would find such 'spaghetti'. Another source would be an electronics supply store.
So I would try to protect the wire from mechanical chafing rather than from the effects of the atf fluid, except for the possibility of the electrical tape coming unglued. You can also purchase heat shrink type of wire insulation material and slide that over the splice/bare wire areas, then heat shrink it to form a viable insulation using a hair dryer.