What is a Vehicle Pigtail?

Wiring Pigtails, Connectors, or Plugs

A vehicle typically contains 274 harness electrical pigtail connectors, a critical component designed exclusively for use in motor vehicles electrical systems. There has been a substantial revolution in automobile systems in recent years. Modern automobiles are wired extensively and are mostly controlled by sophisticated microprocessors. This growth has resulted in a greater demand for high-quality, dependable cables and electrical connectors, which are vital to the efficient operation of these complex automotive systems.

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Multiple Types of Automotive Pigtail Connectors and Their Applications:

  1. Engine Management Systems: They connect sensors and actuators to the engine control unit (ECU), aiding in fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions control.
  2. Lighting Systems: Pigtails connectors are used for headlamps, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals, ensuring reliable electrical connections.
  3. Infotainment Systems: These pigtail connectors link audio systems, navigation units, and display screens, providing power and data transfer.
  4. Instrument Clusters: They connect to the vehicle's dashboard for functionality of speedometers, tachometers, and warning light indicators.
  5. Climate Control Systems: Used in connecting HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) controls and sensors, ensuring optimal cabin temperature.
  6. Power Windows and Door Locks: Pigtails facilitate the electrical connections needed for automated window operation and central locking systems.
  7. Airbag Systems: Essential for connecting airbag sensors and deployment mechanisms, ensuring safety features function correctly.
  8. Battery Management: They are used in connecting and managing the vehicle's battery and charging systems.
  9. Transmission Controls: Pigtails connect various sensors and controls within the transmission system for smooth gear shifting.
  10. Electric Power Steering: They provide the necessary connections for sensors and motors in power steering systems.
  11. Sensors and Switches: Used for various sensors (like oxygen, temperature, pressure sensors) and switches throughout the vehicle.
  12. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Connecting components like cameras, radar, and LIDAR systems for features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking assist.
  13. Electric Vehicle Components: In EVs, they are used for connecting high-voltage components, battery modules, and electric motor controllers.
  14. Fuel System Controls: Connecting fuel pumps, fuel level sensors, and emission control systems.
  15. Exterior and Interior Lighting: For fog lights, cabin lights, and other auxiliary lighting systems within the vehicle.

Related: Navigating Automotive Technology’s Future: Harness Connectors and ADAS

If you are in search of an automotive electrical connector for your vehicle, make sure you consider its current rating, circuit density, size of wire, voltage, configuration, and engagement force. Especially if you are replacing a damage connector due to a collision or another related issue you MUST get an OEM pigtail connector.

Nowadays automakers use a wide range of pigtails including printed circuit board, rectangular, circular, power, and charging connectors among others. Because of increasing communications applications in vehicles, there is greater demand for high quality, high-speed, high-frequency pigtail connectors.

Automotive electrical pigtails can be classified into 4 categories:

  1. These are power pigtail connectors that attach the automobile’s head unit to the power supply, switches, volume controls, and special components like antennas.
  2. These automotive electrical connectors are used for connecting the speakers of the vehicle
  3. These are surplus electrical connectors used for connecting specialty peripherals like external amplifiers, remote control, CD decks, and other accessories.
  4. These optional connectors are typically used for connecting satellite navigation systems

Other automobile systems that require electrical cable connectors include power windows, sensors, radio receivers, relays, lighting, and ignition systems.

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You can be sure that FindPigtails.com carries only OEM pigtail connectors that are high quality, reliable and a perfect fit for your repair. Our pigtail pros are ready to help you find the exact connector you need to get your repair done right and faster. 

Click here to learn about the difference between our connectors and other found on Amazon, eBay or other competitor websites. We also have a video that will show you the quality of our connectors compared to other cheap connectors, click here to see the video.

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Fernando is a seasoned professional with more than 10 years of experience in the e-commerce industry. He has a strong interest in the automotive sector and a strong desire to keep up with technological advancements. He is a priceless asset who helps customers succeed by lowering their cycle time and severity thanks to his extensive knowledge of ecommerce, automotive connectors and professional experience in the field.