Why the 22-Way Automotive Connector TE 917989-6 Is a Smart Choice for Modern Vehicle Systems

The Growing Complexity of Automotive Wiring Systems

As vehicles evolve with greater integration of electronic features, the demand for high-performance connector systems has surged. Automotive designs now incorporate advanced modules including infotainment units, engine control systems, lighting control, ADAS sensors, and battery management systems. These components rely on stable electrical connectivity to function without interruption under demanding conditions.

This has led manufacturers to adopt reliable, space-saving, and vibration-resistant connectors. Among them, the 22-way automotive connector TE 917989-6 has gained industry attention for its design precision and adaptability across vehicle platforms. This blog explores the features, advantages, and use cases of this connector and explains why it is widely used in electronic automotive architecture.

Overview of the 22-Way Automotive Connector TE 917989-6

The TE Connectivity 917989-6 is a 22-position male connector housing, designed for use in automotive wire-to-wire connections. It is part of the Multilock .040/.070 hybrid series and supports both signal and power lines through mixed terminal sizes. The housing is made from a durable thermoplastic material and is engineered to meet rigorous automotive quality standards for long-term use.

With a compact rectangular profile, the connector features integrated polarization and locking features to ensure secure mating and prevent misalignment. It is compatible with crimp-style terminals and can be integrated into large-scale wiring harnesses during assembly-line production or field repair.

Mechanical and Electrical Properties

This 22-way connector housing is tailored for vehicle environments where space, safety, and long-term reliability are critical. Its key attributes include:

• 22-pin male configuration
• Mixed terminal support for both .040 and .070 contacts
• Durable thermoplastic housing
• Integrated locking mechanism
• Vibration resistance and anti-mating error features
• Suitable for signal and low-power circuits

Its design allows for high-density wiring in compact modules, reducing the overall footprint of the vehicle’s electrical system. Furthermore, the secure locking system ensures that the connection remains intact even in high-vibration environments such as engine bays or suspension-mounted systems.

Applications in Vehicle Electronics

The 22-way automotive connector TE 917989-6 is used in various subsystems of a vehicle, offering a reliable interface for multiple signals and low-current power connections. Common application areas include:

• Engine control unit (ECU) wiring
• Transmission and drivetrain modules
• Cabin control units
• Lighting systems and signal relays
• Electric parking brake controls
• Battery management modules in hybrid and electric vehicles
• Dashboard electronics and infotainment modules

Its versatility makes it a go-to option for both OEM manufacturing and service repairs. Its ability to handle both signal-level and low-current power circuits in a single housing helps reduce the number of individual connectors required, simplifying harness design.

Vibration Resistance and Environmental Protection

One of the primary challenges in automotive connectivity is maintaining signal integrity in the presence of vibration, heat, and contamination. The TE 917989-6 connector housing is built to perform under these conditions. The locking mechanism ensures secure engagement with minimal micro-motion, which could otherwise lead to contact wear or signal loss.

When paired with sealed backshells or grommets, this housing can also achieve high levels of environmental protection against dust, water, and oil ingress. This is essential in under-hood applications where connectors may be exposed to harsh conditions over the vehicle’s lifespan.

Design Efficiency for Harness Assemblies

In large wiring harnesses, ease of assembly and serviceability are major considerations. This 22-way housing has a keyed design that ensures connectors can only be inserted in the correct orientation, reducing assembly errors. The polarization features simplify blind mating during automated production or in-field servicing.

Additionally, the compact dimensions and organized terminal layout allow the housing to be installed in dense areas where space is constrained. With a clearly defined pin layout and color options available, it supports standardized wiring practices across multiple vehicle platforms.

Compatibility with TE Connectivity Terminal Systems

The TE 917989-6 housing supports both .040 and .070 Multilock terminals. These terminals offer stable mechanical retention and excellent electrical contact. The terminals are crimped onto wires and then inserted into the housing cavities, where they are held securely in place with anti-backout retention.

This flexibility allows engineers to design circuits with mixed current levels within a single connector. For example, power lines for actuators can be routed alongside sensor signal lines, simplifying harness routing and improving EMI shielding performance when combined with twisted pairs or foil shielding.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

The TE 917989-6 connector housing complies with automotive-grade material standards and has been tested under temperature cycling, vibration, and moisture exposure. It is produced under IATF 16949-certified processes, ensuring consistent quality and traceability.

It also meets RoHS requirements, making it suitable for environmentally compliant manufacturing operations. With full documentation, CAD models, and datasheets available, it is easy to integrate this part into ECAD tools and wiring design software.

Sourcing Through Authorized Channels

Given the importance of quality and reliability in automotive systems, sourcing connector housings from authorized distributors is essential. Authentic components reduce the risk of failures caused by counterfeit or substandard parts.

Enrgtech is a trusted source for the TE Connectivity 917989-6 22-way automotive connector housing. They offer technical support, datasheet access, competitive pricing, and fast international shipping, ensuring that design engineers and procurement professionals can source with confidence.

Conclusion

The 22-way automotive connector TE 917989-6 offers a compact, robust, and versatile solution for today’s electronic vehicle platforms. Its mixed-terminal support, vibration-resistant construction, and ease of integration make it suitable for both signal and power applications across multiple subsystems.

As automotive electrical systems continue to grow more complex, the demand for multifunctional, durable connectors will remain high. The TE 917989-6 addresses these challenges by offering a proven solution trusted by automotive manufacturers and suppliers around the world.

Whether you are designing a new system or upgrading existing wiring harnesses, this connector housing provides the performance, compatibility, and reliability required to meet today’s electronic and automotive standards.