Unknown wiring harness

Tiny
RNSSERVICES
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 FORD E-SERIES VAN
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 207,650 MILES
I just noticed I have a removable panel on the top of my dash by the windshield, upon further investigation I found a wiring harness disconnected inside. Does anyone have an idea as to the purpose of this harness?
Thursday, August 29th, 2019 AT 9:17 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi,

Do you have a little history on this van? Have you owned it since new? If not, do you know if it was used as a business vehicle prior to you owning it?

The reason I ask is, this does not appear to be a factory harness. The loose wires that are hanging off it is not done by the factory because they don't build a vehicle with extra wiring like this. Also, the lack of friction tape or wrapping for the harness is not factory. Basically, they wrap the harness in black tape or other protective coverings to protect it from rub through.

What I suspect this is, was an addition to the van by a previous owner for a tracking device or other module that was needed for their business.

Let me know if this history matches up with my suspicions.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, August 29th, 2019 AT 6:07 PM
Tiny
RNSSERVICES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The van was originally owned by Charter Communications.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 4th, 2019 AT 7:31 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. If this was owned by a charter company, I can almost guarantee that this was a tracking device or some other component that they use for their business. If it is bothering you, you can track the wires and remove them then repair any splices that they made. Otherwise, you can leave it alone. It should not bother anything if nothing is connected to it.

Let me know if you have more questions. Thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, September 4th, 2019 AT 6:37 PM
Tiny
RNSSERVICES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Good to know. I may tap into the hot wires they've graciously provided for my CB radio. Thanks for the help!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, September 5th, 2019 AT 7:44 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Haha. Excellent idea. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, September 5th, 2019 AT 7:46 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links