As our world at large becomes more technologically advanced, so do our vehicles. Any manual function required in the past has now been automated. You can roll down your windows and even start your car with the touch of a button instead of a crank or key. This automation relies on electrical power and a computerized system which requires many wires to connect to various parts of the vehicle. These wires are contained by the wiring harness.
Unfortunately, wiring harnesses can fail and trigger a chain reaction of failure with the electrical system. This is a common issue that Volkswagen owners will experience over time. Because the wiring harness is vital to the proper function of your Volkswagen, you have to be able to recognize early warning signs of failure and deal with the issue before it gets worse.
In this article, we are going to help you spot these warning signs and prepare you to act as soon as you suspect wiring harness failure in your vehicle.
The Importance of the Wiring Harness
The purpose of the wiring harness in a Volkswagen is to protect all of the wires that make up your electrical system from damage. Exposure to the elements will corrode and wear down these wires, so it is crucial that they are contained. If the wiring harness fails, the wires will fail and wreak havoc on your vehicle.
Warning Signs of Wiring Harness Failure
Wiring harness failure will present itself in several ways that you are sure to notice, especially if the issue has gone unresolved for a while. These symptoms are a sign that you must deal with the problem immediately, as extensive electrical damage is costly to repair. These warning signs include:
Failure of your Volkswagen to start when the ignition is turned
Damaged wires as a result of a failing wiring harness will not give your car the electricity it needs to successfully start. The lack of electrical signals being sent to the battery causes it to die or perform inconsistently.
Inconsistent lighting
Your headlights and taillights should consistently function on demand. It’s dangerous and illegal to drive without them. Wiring harness failure will cause these lights to flicker, dim, and eventually go out entirely.
Performance issues while driving
This is an earlier sign of wiring harness failure that causes your Volkswagen to lurch, jerk, stutter, or idle roughly when you drive. While these symptoms can be attributed to several underlying causes, malfunctioning wires are one of the most common reasons.
The check engine light is illuminated
Again, your check engine light may be illuminated for a number of reasons, but in conjunction with the other symptoms, it is more likely that a failed wiring harness is to blame.
The Consequences of Wiring Harness Failure
Addressing and resolving any wiring harness issues is of the utmost importance. Neglecting to do so will eventually render you completely unable to drive, and the damage that this failure causes to other parts of your car will result in costly and extensive repairs. That’s why it’s important to deal with the issue sooner rather than later.
Dealing With Wiring Harness Failure: Trusting the Professionals
When your Volkswagen’s wiring harness fails, there isn’t much that you can do on your own to fix it. You are going to need the expertise and skill that certified and experienced mechanics possess.
At European Service Center, you will be entrusting your vehicle to a team of professionals with over 35 years of experience handling Volkswagen cars and several other European luxury brands including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Land Rover, MINI, and Porsche.
We are a full-service auto center dedicated to high-quality work and service that you can rely on. Here at European Service Center, we believe that every customer deserves superior service that dealerships may not be able to provide.
We are proud to boast 8 locations in Georgia and Texas, so if you find yourself in need of service in any of the following cities, our mechanics are here to help:
When you trust our mechanics, you know that you are in the hands of the best team around.