How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Car Wiring Issue?

Most car wiring repairs range from $150 to $600 for common faults, while complex jobs like replacing a dash or engine harness can run $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Prices vary with the vehicle, the location of the fault, parts availability, and shop labor rates, which in 2025 typically run $100–$250 per hour in the U.S.

Typical Repair Scenarios and Price Ranges

Wiring problems span from quick fixes to labor-intensive harness replacements. The following ranges reflect typical parts-and-labor totals at independent shops and dealers in the U.S.; your exact cost will depend on access, diagnosis time, and your vehicle’s brand and design.

• Simple electrical fix (blown fuse, loose/dirty ground, corroded connector): $50–$200
• Sensor pigtail or wire repair (e.g., O2, MAF, ABS): $150–$500
• Headlight/taillight circuit repair: $100–$350
• Door-jamb wiring break (windows/locks/mirrors): $200–$600
• Battery cable replacement: $100–$300
• Starter/alternator wiring repair: $150–$400
• Rodent damage (localized vs. extensive): $150–$800; $800–$2,500+
• Engine-bay sub-harness repair: $300–$900; replacement: $700–$1,800
• Main or dash harness replacement (labor-heavy): $1,000–$4,000+
• EV/hybrid high-voltage diagnosis or harness work: $300–$1,500+; component HV harness: $800–$3,000+

These figures reflect how labor time dominates pricing: an easy-to-reach broken wire can be cheap, while tearing down a dashboard or engine bay quickly multiplies hours and cost, especially on luxury, European, and late-model vehicles.

What Makes the Price Go Up or Down

Several factors determine your final bill. Understanding them helps explain why two similar-sounding problems can be hundreds of dollars apart.

• Labor rate: independent shops $100–$180/hr; dealers $160–$250/hr; mobile auto electricians $120–$180/hr
• Access difficulty: dash/console removal or tight engine-bay routing can add 3–10+ hours
• Vehicle type: European, luxury, and EVs/hybrids often require specialized procedures and parts
• Parts pricing: OEM harnesses and connectors cost more; aftermarket or used parts can lower cost
• Diagnostic complexity: intermittent shorts or parasitic drains can take hours to isolate
• Environmental damage: corrosion or rodent activity often means wider-area repairs
• Coverage: recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) may reduce or eliminate cost

In short, prices climb with time-consuming disassembly, premium brands and parts, and tricky electrical faults—while proactive checks for coverage can curb the bill.

Typical Cost Breakdown

Most wiring repair invoices share the same building blocks. Here’s how those often look.

• Diagnostic fee: $100–$200 (sometimes applied to the repair if you proceed)
• Labor time: minor 1–3 hours; moderate 4–8 hours; major harness work 8–20+ hours
• Parts: terminals $1–$5 each, connectors $5–$30, pigtails $15–$60, harness $150–$1,500+, supplies $10–$40
• Programming/calibration (modules, ADAS, BCM): $50–$300 additional

Expect the estimate to list diagnostic time separately from repair time, with parts itemized by type and brand (OEM vs aftermarket).

When You Should Not Drive

Some electrical symptoms signal an immediate safety risk or imminent failure. If you see these, park the car and seek professional help.

• Burning smell, visible smoke, or melted insulation
• Battery cables or terminals getting hot, arcing, or sparking
• Airbag/SRS light after wiring work or a collision
• Fuses that blow again immediately after replacement
• Random stalling or loss of power in hybrids/EVs, especially with warning messages

Driving with these conditions risks fire, component damage, or loss of safety systems, and can increase repair costs.

How to Get a Reliable Estimate

Electrical work benefits from clear information and a methodical approach. These steps improve accuracy and reduce surprises.

1. Document symptoms: when they occur, what changed recently, and any water/rodent exposure
2. Scan for OBD-II codes and note freeze-frame data (many shops will do this during diagnosis)
3. Check for recalls/TSBs and warranty or extended coverage tied to your VIN
4. Authorize a diagnostic limit (e.g., 1–2 hours) and ask for a call with findings before repairs
5. Request a written estimate with labor hours, rate, parts brand (OEM/aftermarket/used), and calibrations
6. Ask about the warranty on electrical repairs (common: 12 months/12,000 miles or better)

A clear, line-item estimate makes it easier to compare shops and avoid paying for unnecessary parts swapping.

Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners

Electrical repairs don’t have to break the bank. Smart choices can control costs while preserving reliability.

• Invest in proper diagnosis first—avoid “parts cannon” replacements
• Use quality aftermarket pigtails/connectors when OEM isn’t required
• Consider a tested used harness from a reputable recycler matched by VIN
• Bundle multiple electrical issues into one appointment to reduce overlapping labor
• Prevent rodent damage with deterrents, sealed parking, and periodic engine-bay cleaning

These steps often trim hours and parts costs without compromising safety or durability.

EV and Hybrid Considerations

High-voltage systems add specialized procedures, safety gear, and training. Orange HV cables, isolation faults, and battery contactor or inverter harness issues require certified technicians, OEM procedures, and pre-/post-repair scans. Expect higher labor rates and potential immobilization until the HV system is made safe—this is not DIY territory.

Insurance and Warranty Coverage

Comprehensive insurance often covers rodent damage; collision policies apply to crash-related wiring faults. Recalls and certain TSBs may cover dealer repairs, while many extended warranties exclude wiring unless it’s part of a covered module or harness. Always verify coverage with your VIN and policy numbers before authorizing work.

Bottom Line

Plan for $150–$600 for common wiring fixes and $1,000–$3,000+ for major harness work, with diagnosis, access, and vehicle type driving the price. Get a capped diagnostic, a detailed written estimate, and check for recalls or coverage—then choose a shop experienced in electrical work to fix it right the first time.

Is it worth fixing electrical problems in a car?

Maintaining your car’s electrical system is essential for keeping your vehicle reliable and road-ready. Modern cars depend on intricate electrical networks to power critical components like the battery, alternator, and starter. Neglecting these systems can lead to performance issues or complete vehicle failure.

How much does it cost to have your car rewired?

Rewiring a car can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for simple repairs to thousands of dollars for a full vehicle rewire, typically ranging from $1,000 to over $5,000, with the final price depending heavily on your car’s make and model, the complexity of the job, the amount of wiring involved, and whether you’re replacing a section or the entire harness. Older vehicles with less complex systems are generally cheaper to rewire than modern cars with numerous electronic components. 
Factors influencing the cost:

• Scope of the job: A partial rewire for a specific system (like the engine) will be less expensive than a full vehicle rewire. 
• Car’s make and model: Later-model cars with more complex electrical and electronic systems require more wiring and labor, increasing the cost. 
• Labor costs: Auto electricians charge hourly rates, so the time it takes to complete the job is a major factor in the total price. 
• Parts and materials: The cost of replacement wiring, connectors, and other necessary parts will add to the overall expense. 
• Complexity: The more intricate the wiring system or the more custom work required, the higher the cost will be. 
• Diagnosis: The cost of diagnosing the electrical issue, which can range from $100 to $200 or more, is a necessary first step and adds to the total cost. 

Typical cost ranges:

• Partial rewiring or specific repairs: Opens in new tabCosts can start around $1,000 for more involved repairs or specific system rewiring. 
• Full vehicle rewire: Opens in new tabExpect a full rewire to cost upwards of $5,000 or more, depending on the vehicle. 

To get an accurate estimate: 

• Contact a professional auto electrician: Provide details about your car and the specific electrical problem for a precise quote.
• Consider the complexity: Be prepared for a higher cost for more complex systems found in modern vehicles.

How to fix a wiring problem in a car?

Faulty wiring can cause a range of electrical problems. If you notice dim or flickering headlights, frequent fuse blowouts, or a burning smell, it’s time to check your wiring. To repair or replace wiring, you need to locate the damaged wire, excise the damaged section, and then splice a new wire onto it.

How much is it to fix a wiring issue on a car?

The cost of an auto electrician depends on the type of job your car needs, as well as how long it will take to fix. Many auto electricians charge between £60 and £130 per job, but some may also include a call-out charge on top of this.