What are the symptoms of a damaged engine wiring harness?
4 Answers
Engine wiring harness damage can cause inaccurate signals leading to vehicle failure to start. Here are the relevant details: 1. Causes of damage: Proximity to heat radiation sources accelerates wiring harness aging. High-temperature gas leaks in the vicinity expose the harness to temperatures exceeding material tolerance limits. Confined environments with limited air convection primarily rely on radiative cooling, resulting in slow heat dissipation. 2. Four major functions of wiring harness maintenance: Reducing circuit impedance to enhance system efficiency. Unique flame-retardant properties improve vehicle high-temperature resistance. Superior penetration capability effectively repairs circuit cracks.
I've been driving long distances for decades, and a faulty engine wiring harness is truly a headache. Common symptoms include the engine warning light staying on and refusing to turn off no matter what; the car struggling to start, with the engine cranking for a long time before finally turning over; sudden loss of power while driving, with no response even when flooring the accelerator; and the scariest of all—unexpected stalling in traffic, which can be a serious hazard on highways. Some cars may also experience erratic sensor readings, like the temperature gauge fluctuating wildly or a sudden spike in fuel consumption. These issues are often caused by aging wiring harnesses, loose connections, or short circuits, especially in older models. I once experienced this on a mountain road where the rough terrain caused the wiring harness to fray, leading to intermittent power loss. My advice is to get it checked by a professional as soon as these signs appear—don't push your luck, or you might end up frying more electronic components.
I'm a car enthusiast who frequently disassembles and modifies vehicles, and engine wiring harness failures are all too common. The main symptoms include the engine warning light staying on persistently, with trouble codes typically showing P0300 or P0350 indicating ignition issues; difficulty starting, unstable engine RPM or outright stalling; the car jerking during acceleration with a noticeable misfire sensation; and possible dashboard abnormalities like the oil light coming on for no reason or the AC failing. Wiring harness issues often occur after modifications or in areas prone to water ingress, where cracked wires cause signal interruptions. If you're doing it yourself, you can use a multimeter to measure resistance and locate the break, but it's easy to make mistakes without experience. I once helped a friend fix theirs and found that after the connectors oxidized, the entire harness had to be replaced. Don't underestimate this issue—delaying repairs could lead to complete engine failure.
As an ordinary car owner who drives their kids around every day, engine wiring harness issues can be quite frustrating. The symptoms are obvious: the engine light stays on for a long time after it comes on, and the car hesitates when starting; while driving normally, it suddenly jerks as if lacking power; it stalls inexplicably at red lights, and restarting is difficult; there may also be increased fuel consumption or air conditioning failure. My old SUV experienced this a few times, and it turned out to be sensor misreporting due to wiring harness wear. The repair costs aren’t cheap, but safety comes first. I recommend regular inspections of the cabin wiring to prevent oil or water erosion. If any abnormalities occur, get it repaired promptly.
