Mercedes Benz cars are high-end cars that have powerful engines and luxurious interiors. Comfort and dependability are two things that make them famous, but they also have high-performance standards. In addition to regular maintenance, wire harness replacement, and normal wear and tear, your Mercedes will have other problems from time to time, too. Mercedes used to use "biodegradable" soy-based engine harness wire insulation to make cars more environmentally friendly that the company could throw away.
This "biodegradable" soy-based engine harness wire insulation of Mercedes causes problems like overheating and sometimes rats' presence, which can result in a much bigger issue when neglected. That’s why faults in engine wiring harnesses are something you don't want to take for granted. You should have it checked by a professional and replace a wire harness to avoid further problems.
What are the Key Functions of an Engine Wire Harness?
An engine wire harness is a system of wires, terminals, and connectors throughout the vehicle. It communicates with the vehicle's components by relaying information and electric power. The wire harness is essential to the general operation and reliability of a vehicle. Like the human body's circulatory and central nervous systems, power and information pass through this network.
Below are the key functions of the engine wire harness in your Mercedes:
It is the Heart of the System
The battery is the heart of your car's electrical system. With the help of the alternator, the battery supplies all of the power to keep the entire electrical system working. The first section of your engine wiring harness transports power from the battery to the fuse box.
It Acts as a Fuse Box
The wire harness connects the engine to the fuse box, normally located under the driver's side dashboard. The fuse box's purpose is to stop an electrical current from becoming too strong, preventing an electrical fire. It can control power to the engine, overhead light, instrument panel, and hundreds of other electrical components.
It Helps You Understand Your Electrical System
The key to installing, troubleshooting, and repairing your electrical system is to ensure you have all the necessary knowledge and steps. At the very least, you should examine the engine wiring diagram in a user's manual for your vehicle and try to identify the wires under the hood by color.
Unfortunately, the wire insulation colors may fade over time, making this task more difficult if your automobile is older.
It Helps You Avoid Making Mistakes
When analyzing the electrical system, it may be beneficial to take thorough photographs of all existing wiring harnesses. The more detail you can capture about how the cables are routed and connected, you are more likely to avoid mistakes during re-installation. You may even use masking tape for easy identification.
Problems of Engine Wire Harness on Your Mercedes
It started in the late 1980s and early 1990s when carmakers started using soy-based engine harness wire insulation to cut down on the number of harmful chemicals in their cars. For a while, these biodegradable alternatives seemed like a great idea. They look impressive on paper, and they look even better in person.
Then, after a while, they start to do what they're supposed to do: break down. People who own Mercedes cars may need to change their wiring harnesses because insulation deterioration can damage the internal wiring.
Mercedes is also experiencing oil leaking from the camshaft position sensors into the engine harness. The oil travels through the harness to other engine components such as the engine computer and O2 sensors. This scenario is a concern that every Mercedes car owner should know.
Why You Need Wire Harness Replacement
There are a variety of causes of engine wire harness damages. Below are the most common and natural causes:
- Extreme, prolonged heat of your engine – Your engine wire insulation may begin to melt, break, or show other symptoms of wear and tear over time.
- Ceaseless Vibration – When combined with the heat from the engine, the insulation might crack, flake, or degrade over time, exposing the wires and will require you to have your Mercedes checked.
- Occasional Presence of Rodents – The heat from the engine and the soy-based insulation around the engine wires attract these pests.
Common Symptoms of Engine Harness Wire Damage
Depending on the location, type, and severity of engine wire damage, Mercedes Benz cars may exhibit various symptoms.
Below are some of the most common symptoms you may experience with a damaged engine harness wire:
Dead Car Battery
The electrical pathway between the alternator and the battery could be disrupted if the wiring harness has defects. As a result, the battery does not receive proper charging.
Engine Failure
To generate the spark required for ignition, the starter motor of an engine and the spark plugs require a large amount of electrical energy. On the other hand, a faulty wire harness may fail to transfer the electrical energy required to generate a crank or spark. As a result, the engine fails to start.
Lighting System Problems
Defects in the wiring harness could cause the electrical energy supply to various electrical appliances in the car, including the lighting system, to be disrupted. The presence of dim light or inside lighting indicates that the wiring system may be defective and requires immediate attention.
Wire Harness Replacement in Georgia
Wiring harnesses improve the effectiveness of a car's electrical system while also preventing serious electrical problems in your Mercedes. Any defects in the wiring harness could result in serious electrical issues in your car.
As a result, indications in the wiring harness should be detected and treated as soon as possible to avoid serious damage to your car, which may require a more costly repair.
We recommend bringing your Mercedes to a team of factory-trained European and domestic automotive experts at North Fulton Auto Center if you notice any of the symptoms above. Contact us now and set your appointment.
