Today, let's talk about something that might not be as glamorous as a sleek new paint job or a turbocharged engine upgrade but is equally important: a wiring harness failure. You might be wondering “Why wiring harnesses?” Aren't these things supposed to be a concern for the professionals? Well, not exactly. Even though wiring harness problems can surprise even the most attentive drivers, be assured they can be avoided and resolved if detected early. With a little bit of knowledge, you will be able to identify the symptoms of wiring harness failures in a Volkswagen before they turn into expensive problems. Let's go to some tips that would enable you to identify this problem like a pro.
What Is a Wiring Harness?
If you know what the nervous system in humans does you might have a clue of how a wiring harness works. The wiring harness in Volkswagen vehicles is a network of wires that connects and links different components in your electrical system such as lights, switches, and sensors, to the battery and the main control unit. These wires ensure that electricity is carried to different parts of the vehicle for smooth operation. If these components get old or become faulty, some parts of your Volkswagen may not perform as expected.
How You Can Tell That Your Wiring Harness Is Failing?
- Flickering Lights: Have you observed your headlights flickering or dimming without any apparent reason? This could mean that there is a problem with the wiring harness. If the cables wear out or have frayed edges, it may result in an intermittent power supply to your lights, causing a loose or poor connection. So, if you are having this problem, you need to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic in order to prevent further damage and guarantee your safety on the road.
- Warning Lights: Are there already warning lights flashing on your dashboard like a Christmas tree? Wiring harness issues can cause a wide range of electrical problems, including anything from ABS and airbag lights to check engine and traction control warning lights in your Volkswagen. Such warning lights are your car's way of telling you that things aren't right - do not dismiss them!
- Strange Smells: Did you recently notice that there was a burning odor in the air, especially when you used certain electric appliances like the heater or the air conditioner? This might be a sign that the wires around the harness are getting hot or even melting. Electrical fire is not something to be taken lightly, so it becomes very important to take care of the situation immediately to avoid a dangerous situation.
- Intermittent Electrical Issues: Is your radio misbehaving or does your car power window operate erratically now and then? If the electrical problems are intermittent, it could mean that the wiring harness is failing. Oftentimes, loose connections or damaged wires can lead to disruption of signals, causing a malfunction of your car’s electrical systems. Try not to brush these issues aside as they can lead to something more serious later on.
How To Fix The Problem
- Preventive Maintenance: Regular maintenance is a prerequisite to avoiding wiring harness failure in your VW. The condition of your car's electrical system will remain optimal if you follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions and deal with any issues in time before they develop and cause further damage.
- Professional Repair: Trying to repair the harness problems yourself might be dangerous and you may end up worse than you started, if not done right. It is always recommended to involve the experts, who not only have the knowledge and skills required but also possess the right tools for the job.
Make Our Experts At Import Specialty Service Your VW Doctor
At Import Specialty Service, our reputation as the car 
repair shop of choice for drivers of European and Import cars in Nashville, TN, and nearby communities gives us great pride. Since 1994, our mission has been to be the best service provider and maintain the highest standards of quality in everything we do. If you happen to be a VW owner, and there are some problems with the electrical system or similar malfunctions in some other parts, don’t worry – we’ve got your back! Our factory-trained technicians are armed with the most advanced diagnostic equipment and the know-how to identify and fix any problem your Volkswagen might have.
Whether it is a routine check-up, preventive maintenance, or major repairs, Import Specialty Service is ready to assist you in any way possible. Do not continue to delay, make an appointment or give us a call at (615) 834-6464. We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you soon.
* Lady Driving Volkswagen Car image credit goes to:Olga Chetvergova.