Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Found a melted wiring harness

I was under the car yesterday during an oil change and I noticed a wiring harness that looks like it is starting to melt. I'm only guessing, but I think this is the harness that goes to the O2 sensor. The wires look like they are undamaged. Should I look at replacing this now? Is this something that FORD should replace for me since their components are melting?

These pictures were taken from the front of the car, right behind the radiator on the drivers side. This harness is not against anything, so I'm not sure what could have melted it. It is strapped in pretty good, and the melted part faces down, so it wasn't up against the bottom of the block.... It is almost like it rested on something, but the only thing below it is the ground, and it is far enough off the ground that I wouldn't think the pavement is scraping it.

Haha, I have the same problem! I knoticed it about 6 months ago when I replaced my o2 sensors. I wasn't getting any warning lights and everything seemed to be working properly so I diddn't worry about it.

It is wierd though, I can't deny that. I tried to figure out what was causing it but came up empty handed so I chaulked it up to just being a Ford.

Yikes...

I'd replace it, but that's just me...

I wonder if the 8 year 80k mile warranty on the emissions system would cover it?

If your signature is correct on the mileage, take it in immediately...I'd have the stealer check it out...

i've forgotten exactly where it's located, but somewhere on this site is a copy of the underhood wiring harness recall...look around for it and see if it covers your yr and model of car and see what harnesses it covers...if your car is covered print a copy of it and take it to a ford dealer before your car hits 100k miles

i tried twice at two different dealers to have my harness replaced per recall and was denied the work both times...now my car is over 100K (was <100K when i went to the dealers) and im paying out of pocket to have the work done

the mechanic i took my car to (thinking my engine was shot) checked it over and found the wires melted in more than one place...and referred me to an electrical shop across the way which has ordered and is installing the new harness for me...they're actually being sorta decent about it and charging rock bottom for the harness but its still costing me a sh!tload

when i contacted ford in dearborn their only advice was to ask if the dealer i'd gone to would help pay some of the cost (yeh right)

some dealers are okay about doing the recall but as in my case some will rather lose a customer than replace the harness on their dime and time

if any other parts of your harness start to go you will have a sh!tload of problems...my car ran perfectly (far as i can tell) one day and was in the crapper the next day

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I found the wiring recall under the FAQ section. It links to this page:
http://www.contour.org/FAQ/recall/99M03/

It only applies to 1995-1997, so my 99 is out. Oh well.