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.

This document is a supplement to SAE/USCAR 17 and is intended to give recommended usages for one and two-way RF connectors and dimensional requirements for 2-way RF connectors and hybrid (RF & DC power) connectors which are not currently specified elsewhere. The radio frequency (RF) connector interface specified herein is suited for unsealed and sealed automobile applications up to 6 GHz and is intended for in-line, board mount, device mount, straight or angled applications. Dimensional requirements are specified in this document to ensure interchangeability. Compliance with the dimensional requirements of this specification will not guarantee interoperability between different suppliers mating connectors. It is the supplier responsibility to ensure RF performance requirements are met with other suppliers mating connectors. Performance requirements are specified in SAE/USCAR-2, and in SAE/USCAR-17.

This document decribes the deign 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.