Addressing Wiring Harness Problems in Your Volkswagen
by europewpadmin June 19, 2024The wiring harness in your Volkswagen is a system similar to the nervous system in the human body. It transmits electrical signals to and from various components of your car like the lights, engine, and dashboard. Wiring harness failure can cause a number of issues and these include short circuits, faulty electronic components, and even total power failure. Below is a checklist on what to do when experiencing wiring harness failure in your Volkswagen.
Symptoms of Wiring Harness Failure
- Electrical Issues: If you find that your car light, radio, or any other electrical system in your car is flickering, not working, or functioning abnormally, then you might be having wiring harness issues. Such electrical problems arise because the wiring harness is not properly relaying the required electrical signals.
- Warning Lights: When the wiring harness has an issue, the check light or any other warning light on the dashboard may turn on. These lights are initiated by the car’s computer when it identifies a problem with the electrical system which is normally caused by a damaged wiring harness.
- Car Won’t Start: If your VW has a hard time starting or does not start at all, it could be due to a wiring harness issue. This wiring harness has a very important role to play, especially in connecting power to the starter and other parts. An error here can lead to the car not starting at all.
- Unusual Battery Drain: If your wiring harness is bad, your battery could consume more energy than usual. This is usually the case when there is a short circuit or any other problem with the harness that continues to pull current even when the car is turned off.
- Corroded Connectors: Wiring harness issues might be indicated by visible corrosion on the electrical connectors. Corrosion affects the conductivity of the electrical current, which in turn, causes numerous electrical problems in the car.
- Heat Damage: If some of the wires within the wiring harness look like they have melted or have any signs of burn, then this is a sign of a problem. Most of the time heat damages originate from overloading and short-circuiting and require the attention of a technician.
Measures to Take When There is Wiring Harness Failure
- Inspect the Wiring Harness: To begin with, you should try to assess your Volkswagen’s wiring harness. Check for any signs of damage on the cables like wires that appear to be cut or exposed, loose connections, or signs of burning. You may not be able to see some parts of the harness but you may check the visible parts to see if there is anything conspicuous.
- Use Diagnostic Tools: New model Volkswagens have sophisticated built-in diagnostic capabilities that are useful in detecting electrical problems. Check the car computer to read any error codes through diagnostic equipment. These codes can help point to where the issue is at. If you do not have a scanner, most auto parts stores or mechanics can scan it for you at a small fee.
- Visit a Professional Mechanic: If you do not feel confident in diagnosing or repairing the wiring harness yourself, then you should have your VW serviced by a mechanic. They possess all the equipment and knowledge required for efficient diagnosis and repair of electrical problems. The mechanic can physically examine the vehicle and run some tests to ascertain the root of the issue.
- Repair Wiring Harness: If the wiring harness is severely damaged, then it may require some level of repair or even replacement. Minor problems such as a single frayed wire can most of the time be solved by joining a new wire. But if it is serious, then it will be necessary to change the wiring harness completely. A professional mechanic is in a position to tell you what is best to do depending on the situation he or she meets in the harness.
Trust The Experts At European Auto Tech With Your Volkswagen Repairs
At European Auto Tech, we are the 
best car repair shop for Volkswagen and other popular European cars. We have dedicated mechanics on our team who can diagnose your car if you are facing any issues and get it repaired. If you observe any indications that the wiring harness is failing, then you should bring it to our garage. Our workshop is in Plano, Texas and we help people from Allen, Flower Mound, Frisco, Dallas, McKinney, Park Cities, Richardson, Highland Park, Southlake, and University Park Texas. For all your VW problems call us now at 972-422-9941.