Procedures included within this specification are intended to cover performance testing at all phases of development, production, and field analysis of electrical terminals, connectors, and components that constitute the electrical connection systems in low voltage (0 to 20 VDC) road vehicle applications. 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.

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 standard outlines the conditions that enhance the risk of hydrogen embrittlement of steel and defines the relief procedures required to minimize the risk of hydrogen embrittlement. It is intended to control the process.

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 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. Clips are typically inserted into sheet or rolled metal from 0.6mm to 8mm thick so this specification focuses on that range. Outside of this range requires a custom test. The procedures described in this document have been evaluated for the design types shown in Table 2.3. Use of USCAR-44 for other than a design shown in Table 2.3 may or may not produce acceptable test correlation to actual experience but USCAR has not reviewed any data. USCAR-44 can be used at all phases of development, production, and field analysis since it is a performance test and not a process validation or quality assessment. No retainer may be represented as having met USCAR/EWCAP specifications unless conformance to all applicable requirements of this specification have been verified and documented. All required verification and documentation must be provided by the supplier of the part. If testing is performed by another source, it does not relieve the primary supplier of responsibility for documentation (DVP&R) of all test results and for verification that all samples tested met all applicable acceptance criteria. 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. Clips are typically inserted into sheet or rolled metal from 0.6mm to 8mm thick so this specification focuses on that range. Outside of this range requires a custom test. The procedures described in this document have been evaluated for the design types shown in Table 2.3. Use of USCAR-44 for other than a design shown in Table 2.3 may or may not produce acceptable test correlation to actual experience but USCAR has not reviewed any data. USCAR-44 can be used at all phases of development, production, and field analysis since it is a performance test and not a process validation or quality assessment. No retainer may be represented as having met USCAR/EWCAP specifications unless conformance to all applicable requirements of this specification have been verified and documented. All required verification and documentation must be provided by the supplier of the part. If testing is performed by another source, it does not relieve the primary supplier of responsibility for documentation (DVP&R) of all test results and for verification that all samples tested met all applicable acceptance criteria.