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This specification describes a method and acceptance criteria for testing automotive wire harness retainer clips. Retainer clips are plastic parts that hold a wire harness or electrical connector in a specific position. Typical plastic retainers work by having a set of “branches” that can be inserted into a hole sized to be easy to install but provide acceptable retention. This specification tests retainer clips for mechanical retention when exposed to the mechanical and environmental stresses typically found in automotive applications over a 15-year service life. This specification has several test options to allow the test to match to the expected service conditions. The variability of applications typically arises from different ambient temperatures near the clip, different proximity to automotive fluids, different exposure to standing water or water spray, and different thicknesses of the holes that the clip is inserted into.

This specification covers performance testing at all phases of development, production, and field analysis of electrical terminals, connectors, and components that constitute the electrical connection systems in road vehicle applications that are: low voltage (0 to 20 VDC) or Coaxial. Incomplete (mechanical) specifications for jacketed twisted pair connectors are also provided. These procedures are only applicable to terminals used for In-Line, Header, and Device Connector systems. They are not applicable to Edge Board connector systems, twist-lock connector systems, >20 VAC or DC, or to eyelet terminals. No electrical connector, terminal, or related component may be represented as having met USCAR specifications unless conformance to all applicable requirements of this specification have been verified and documented. All required verification and documentation must be done by the supplier of the part or parts.

This life test for underhood/passenger/trunk connector systems may be used in place of Section 5.9.6, Connection System Electrical Table of SAE/USCAR-2. All other requirements of SAE/USCAR-2 remain applicable even when this test is used. Refer to SAE/USCAR-2 and Connector/Terminal Supplier for appropriate power rating and current cycle Testing.

This specification is a general level subsystem light source specification that establishes test requirements of a Gas Discharge Light Source (GDLS) subsystem for use on passenger vehicles. The completed test data to this test specification is intended to be provided to the OEM by the Tier one lamp set maker as part of the lamp assembly PPAP. Re-testing shall be required if any portion of the approved GDLS experiences a design, manufacturing or component change. This document shall be applied to systems that meet the requirements for design, performance and validation established by government standards. The subsystem is defined as the ballast, igniter and light source and shall be tested as a subsystem and considered one test sample for the entire test sequence. A failure of any component in the test sample shall constitute a failure of the entire sample. Substitution or replacement of only the light source shall be allowed during testing.

This test procedure is intended to evaluate and/or validate electrical ground schemes for use on the body or chassis. There are two classes based on the expected environmental conditions. Exposed Grounds can be located anywhere in the vehicle (except on the powertrain) and is the class for which most schemes should be tested. Unexposed Grounds can only be used in the passenger compartment or trunk and as such are special cases. This procedure as written is not intended for testing powertrain grounds where high temperatures and vibration levels may be encountered. These situations may require modifications to this procedure and are left to the Responsible Engineer to determine. This specification does not specifically address validation of terminal to wire electrical crimps. Crimps are tested to SAE/USCAR-21

This specification describes a method and acceptance criteria for testing automotive wire harness retainer clips. Retainer clips are plastic parts that hold a wire harness or electrical connector in a specific position. Typical plastic retainers work by having a set of “branches” that can be inserted into a hole sized to be easy to install but provide acceptable retention. This specification tests retainer clips for mechanical retention when exposed to the mechanical and environmental stresses typically found in automotive applications over a 15-year service life. This specification has several test options to allow the test to match to the expected service conditions. The variability of applications typically arises from different ambient temperatures near the clip, different proximity to automotive fluids, different exposure to standing water or water spray, and different thicknesses of the holes that the clip is inserted into.

This document gives specific and measurable design requirements to be applied at a design review prior to tooling. The specification is formatted as a checklist to aid in its use. The requirements do not apply in all situations so engineering judgment must be used. This is a specification for design; applicable performance specifications (USCAR-2, etc.) must still be performed. Specific requirements in this document are grouped by component using a prefix as shown in Table 1 and are numbered by an item number following the prefix.

This document describes the assembly force guidelines for manually seated push-pins, clips, and similar retention devices. For the purpose of this document, the term “clip” is used to reference all retention devices addressed within this document. Applicable retention devices must have force exerted directly to the clip using the finger/thumb and are hand seated independent of other fasteners. For a retention device to be manually installed and seated independent of other retention devices, it must be seated fully without any interaction with an adjacent fastener (i.e., multiple PIA clips on the back of a hard trim panel). This standard applies to contact surfaces angled at 90 degrees (±10 degrees) and/or perpendicular from the direction of force insertion. Mechanically installed fasteners (screws, rivets, etc.) are not included in this document. This standard does not apply to extraction/retention forces.

This standard covers the operational characteristics, environment, durability procedures, and test procedures for in-tank electric fuel pumps for automotive gasoline applications. Specific performance and test criteria used in conjunction with this procedure are specified on the pump drawing. Particular sections of this document may be required for all applications. This standard is intended to evaluate specific characteristics as a supplement to normal material inspections, dimensional checking, and in-process controls, and should in no way adversely influence other inspection operations.

This standard outlines test methods and practices which can detect embrittlement of steel parts. It is a process control or referee verification test. The risk of embrittlement of steel is minimized by using best practices in the finishing/coating process. One such practice is described in SAE/USCAR-5, Avoidance of Hydrogen Embrittlement of Steel.

This specification is a general level subsystem light source specification that establishes test requirements of light emitting diode (LED) components and modules for use in automotive lighting systems. The completed test data from this test specification is intended to be provided to the OEM by the Tier 1 lamp set maker as part of the lamp assembly PPAP. Re-testing shall be required if any portion of the approved LED module experiences a design, manufacturing, or component change. This document shall be applied to systems that meet the requirements for design, performance, and validation established by government standards. The LED module is defined as the LED devices and any electronics required to properly energize the LEDs using a vehicle electrical power system along with any associated electrical wiring, connectors, and thermal management system. Samples shall be tested as a subsystem and considered one test sample for the entire test sequence.

This specification establishes the requirements and test procedures for automotive miniature bulb retention devices, including wedge base sockets with integral connectors, direct wire wedge base sockets, bayonet base sockets with integral connectors, direct wire bayonet base sockets, wedge base and bayonet base sockets with circuit plate assemblies, and associated interfaces. Tests shall follow the sequence shown in the flow charts in Appendices E and F whenever the following occurs: New design. Design, material, or process change made to an existing device, which could affect the outcome of the test. The test sequences shown in Appendix G shall be run annually.

This specification defines test methods and requirements for validation of solderless crimped connections. The purpose of this test is to simulate in the lab the stress seen in a typical life (15 years and 150000 miles) for a crimp connection and assure the crimp is mechanically strong and electrically stable. This specification was developed for use with stranded automotive copper wire. Only where specifically mentioned are other constructions or other core materials (aluminum, clad, steel core, etc.) applicable. This specification does not apply to wire types not mentioned, such as coaxial cable crimps, unless a USCAR-21 test is specifically referenced in the test specification for that wire type. This specification is based on accepted levels of environmental exposure for automotive applications.

SAE/USCAR-45 defines test methods and performance requirements for ultrasonically-welded wire-to-wire splices for automotive applications. Face-to-face, butt splice, and center strip configurations per Figure 1 can be tested. The tests defined in this specification subject samples on test to stresses that simulate a lifetime of exposure for a road vehicle. Stresses called out in this specification include thermal shock, temperature/humidity cycling and mechanical stress from different directions.

This document gives specific and measurable design criteria to be applied at a design review prior to tooling. The specification is formatted as a checklist to aid in its use. The requirements do not apply in all situations so engineering judgment must be used. This is a specification for design criteria; applicable performance specifications (USCAR-2, etc.) must still be performed. Items in this document are grouped by component as follows: A Terminals B Secondary Terminal Locks C Connectors D Connector Locks E Secondary Connector Locks (Connector Position Assurance, CPA) F Connector Seals G Serviceability H High Voltage (≥60V) Application Requirements I Drawing and General Requirements

This specification describes a method and acceptance criteria for testing automotive wire harness retainer clips. Retainer clips are plastic parts that hold a wire harness or electrical connector in a specific position. Typical plastic retainers work by having a set of “branches” that can be inserted into a hole sized to be easy to install but provide acceptable retention. This specification tests retainer clips for mechanical retention when exposed to the mechanical and environmental stresses typically found in automotive applications over a 15-year service life. This specification has several test options to allow the test to match to the expected service conditions. The variability of applications typically arises a) from different ambient temperatures near the clip, different proximity to automotive fluids, different exposure to standing water or water spray and different thicknesses of the holes that the clip is inserted into.

This specification defines test methods and performance criteria for evaluating ultrasonically welded wire-to-terminal metallurgical bonds. The examples used are specific to the linear weld type of process equipment. USCAR-38 is not applicable for “Splice Welding”. The specification is applicable to wire-on-pad configurations with a typical weld shown in Figure 1. This test specification subjects parts under test to environmental exposures to simulate a lifetime of field exposure for a road vehicle. Exposures called-out in this specification include Thermal Shock, Temperature Humidity Cycling and mechanical abuse. This test specification is intended to evaluate the strength and performance of the interface between wires to an electrical terminal. Validation of the performance of the Terminal is a separate task and can be accomplished using a component validation test such as SAE/USCAR-2, which evaluates whether the entire connection system is acceptable.

This document describes the design relative to assembly force, and hand clearance guidelines for conventional hand-plug, mechanical assist and twist lock electrical connectors, as well as Connector Position Assurances (CPAs). The minimum values associated with this design guide need to be evaluated against other critical characteristics that impact quality, efficiency and other traits of assembly feasibility. All possible designs and applications could not be anticipated in creating these guidelines. Where there are questions of adherence to this document, such as use of an “off-the-shelf” design, always consult the responsible Ergonomics Department.

This document describes the assessment methods and physical requirements associated with the manual handling of carts and dollies, specific to material handling systems. All possible designs and applications could not be anticipated in creating these guidelines. Where there are questions of adherence to this document, such as use of an “off-the shelf” design, always consult the responsible Ergonomics Department. Force guidelines were primarily developed referencing the push/pull psychophysical Snook data contained in A Guide to Manual Materials Handling (second edition) by Mital, Nicholson and Ayoub (NY: Taylor & Francis, 1997). The force guidelines accommodate 75% of female capabilities and 99% of male capabilities. Factors that were included in the established guideline include: push / pull distances, vertical hand height, horizontal hand height, frequency and wheel / castor alignment and load rating. These factors were used to develop a conservative force guideline.