How Wiring Harness Shorts Leads to Engine Issues in a Volkswagen
Volkswagens can develop problems with the wiring harness. Volkswagen, founded in Germany in 1937, is known for designing and manufacturing vehicles with exceptional features, comfort, and unmatched reliability. Although these vehicles are built to withstand the test of time, all automobiles equipped with electrical systems such as wiring harness are subject to failure resulting in issues arising in other areas. Below, you will learn more about how wiring harness shorts can lead to engine issues in your Volkswagen.
What is the function of the wiring harness?
The wiring harness was designed to protect the various electrical wiring systems from exposure to outer elements. When electrical wires within the wiring harness become exposed, there is an extreme risk of serious damage. Similar to wanting to protect the wiring in your home’s electrical system, you want to protect the wiring harness in your Volkswagen just the same.
Electrical energy in an automatic vehicle is transmitted primarily from the vehicle’s battery to all other areas that require power to allow your vehicle to run appropriately. Modern-day cars are made with far more electrical systems than older vehicles; therefore, there are far more wires within the wiring system that need to be protected. When the wires become exposed and/or damaged, information cannot be transmitted throughout your vehicle as it was intended resulting in damage to other areas including engine issues.
Wiring Harness Failure Warning Signs
As with any problem that may arise with your vehicle, wiring harness failure in Volkswagens is accompanied by a wide variety of warning signs and symptoms including:
- An inconsistent or dead battery: An improperly-working or dead battery does not allow power to be transmitted throughout your vehicle. This is perhaps the first and most obvious sign of potential wiring harness failure, as it is an indicator of improper electrical signals being sent out. It is important to note that a battery may not always be dead as a result of faulty wiring. You might experience the battery losing a charge more frequently or quicker than normal.
- A poorly-functioning engine: Many engines within an automobile create energy from fuel to mechanical energy to allow the vehicle to create motion and propel itself forward. When the wiring harness becomes exposed, the motor experiences disruptions causing the engine to rev up or down for no reason. Experts report that a damaged wiring harness can also cause the vehicle to jerk or lurch forward or even to stutter while you are driving.
- An illuminated check engine light: Volkswagen manufactures their vehicles with an onboard diagnostic system designed to communicate with various systems within the vehicle. The dashboard warning light alerts drivers to a problem within a system in their car. A short in the wiring harness may result in the illumination of the check engine light on the dashboard without a reason to do so. It is important that you have a skilled technician or mechanic run diagnostic testing on your vehicle as soon as possible if you have an illuminated check engine light. They will diagnose and repair the problem before severe engine damage occurs.
What causes the wiring harness to fail?
A wiring harness is designed with extreme heat and longevity in mind in an effort to make it withstand any normal damage that may occur. However, as your vehicle experiences regular wear and tear, the wiring harness grows more and more stiff. This makes it susceptible to damage from chips and cracks, which expose the wire.
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