How Long Do Vehicle Wiring Harnesses Last?

A wiring harness is an organized set of wires, terminals and connectors that run throughout the entire vehicle and relay information and electric power, thereby playing a critical role in “connecting” a variety of components. Power and information travel through this network much like the circulatory and central nervous systems of the human body.

As cars continue to provide advanced functions, their component parts increasingly require electronics to save space and meet other requirements. Experts at efficient design and configuring complex circuits, KINKONG creates wiring harnesses that contribute tremendously to the development and advancement of car manufacturers around the world.

What affects the service life of a wire harness?

The engine wiring harness, for example, connects to various components that need electricity to function, such as the starter, battery, and alternator. The harness starts at the engine and connects to the fuse box. The wires branch off to their various components here, then they return back to the engine. A wiring harness simplifies the electrical system but also reduces the potential of serious electrical problems that plagued car owners in the past. However, they are not without their flaws or potential for damage.

Wiring harnesses are typically assembled with high-temperature grade materials, due to the exposure to excessive heat inside the engine compartment. However, they must also be resistant to cold and exposure to outside elements; especially harnesses attached underneath the vehicle. In most cases, the harness has two solid connectors on each side that attach a series of electrical systems to a sub-module. From this electrical module or a relay, individual wiring harnesses are attached to individual components.

There are also wiring harnesses for sensors and solenoids that monitor and control major systems such as fuel, ignition, and transmission. These harnesses relay data from the sensor to the ECU, so that adjustments can be made on the fly. In fact, most ECU connectivity problems that trigger Warning or Check Engine Lights are caused not by a sensor failure, but a wiring harness failure.

One of the primary benefits of arranging the system in a wiring harness is that the wires last longer than if they ran individually. They hold up better to vibrations and even moisture. This design proves the old adage, “there's safety in numbers.” While individual wires may become frayed and damaged, the harness is stronger and more durable. The likelihood that you’ll have to replace the entire harness is low. If you have a problem, you may end up replacing a portion of the wiring with an individual part. However, it's not unusual for a wiring harness to last the entire lifetime of the vehicle it's installed in.

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