Building a custom wiring harness from scratch is time-consuming and requires special tools. Deutsch pigtail connectors - pre-assembled connector housings with wire leads already crimped and installed - let you cut straight to the splice or termination point. Here's what you need to know.
What Is a Deutsch Pigtail?
A Deutsch pigtail is a pre-made assembly consisting of a Deutsch connector housing with contacts already installed and wire leads of a specified length already crimped in. You simply connect the housing to your mating connector and splice or terminate the wire leads to your circuit.
Pigtails are available for virtually every Deutsch connector series: DT, DTM, HD, AT, and HDP20.
Types of Deutsch Pigtails
Single-End Pigtails
One connector on one end, bare wire leads on the other. The most common type - used when one side connects to an existing Deutsch mating connector (sensor, solenoid, ECU) and the other side needs to be wired into a harness or control module.
Double-End (Extension) Pigtails
Deutsch connectors on both ends with a wire lead in between. Used to extend an existing harness, relocate a sensor, or add length to a factory circuit without cutting OEM wiring.
Breakout/Splice Pigtails
One connector that splits into multiple wire leads - used to tap into a circuit for diagnostic purposes or to add accessories.
Common Applications
Automotive Sensors
Many OEM sensors - O2 sensors, MAP sensors, TPS sensors, cam/crank sensors - use Deutsch AT or DT series connectors. A pigtail lets you replace a damaged connector without cutting into the factory harness. Match the pin count and connector series to your application.
Diesel Injectors
Common rail diesel injectors on Cummins, Duramax, and Powerstroke engines use Deutsch-style connectors. Pre-made injector pigtails are a direct replacement for damaged injector wiring - no special tools needed beyond basic crimping and heat shrink.
Solenoids and Actuators
Hydraulic solenoids, transmission solenoids, and HVAC actuators widely use 2-pin DT or DTM connectors. Pigtails make replacement fast - disconnect, splice in the new pigtail, done.
Custom Off-Road and Race Wiring
Building a custom harness? Pre-made pigtails for switches, relays, fuse blocks, and accessories save hours of crimping time. Common for light bars, winches, air compressors, and auxiliary circuit additions.
How to Choose the Right Pigtail
You need to match four things:
- Connector series - DT, DTM, HD, AT, HDP20?
- Pin count - 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 positions?
- Gender - plug (male pins) or receptacle (female sockets)?
- Wire gauge - match the wire size to your circuit amperage
If you're replacing a factory connector, the easiest approach is to match the connector series and pin count to the OEM part. Cross-reference charts are available for most common vehicle applications.
Installation Tips
- Use heat shrink solder connectors for the wire splice - no tape, no butt connectors that corrode
- Route wire away from heat sources - exhaust, turbo, manifolds
- Secure with loom and split conduit to prevent chafing
- Apply dielectric grease to the mating connector faces in harsh environments
Shop Deutsch Pigtail Connectors
We carry pre-made Deutsch pigtail assemblies for DT, DTM, AT, and HDP20 series in a wide range of pin counts, wire gauges, and lead lengths.
