Used Car Buying - Electrical Systems

How to inspect used car electrical systems

A wiring harness is any location where multiple wires are run through the same location, or the location of a series of connection terminals. When a car is built the wires and termination points are generally grouped together to avoid a birds nest of wires running every direction around the engine and inside the car. It is the system in place to simplify the electrical components as well as increase the user friendliness of the car.





When an electrical problem exists you may need to open the wiring harness in attempt to locate a specific wire or connection terminal. It is very difficult to put back all the wires in the same fashion as when the vehicle was built so often there will be evidence that a wiring harness has been opened.


The more electrical problems that a car has experienced, the more likely that wiring harnesses and terminal connections have been accessed, tested and potentially damaged. When shopping for a used car, especially one known through reputation to have electrical issues, stay away from cars with messy wiring and custom looking wiring additions or alterations.





Proceed to the next section of the used car buying tutorial which covers mirrors and glass.