Please help

I have a 2004 edeavor XLS AWD. The check engine light went on in the winter at the same time as the power steering went. I called the dealer and they advised that it was likely the return line for the power steering pump. I live over 3 hours from the closest dealer, so I had the return line replaced locally as it was not under warranty. They did not have the diagnostic tool to check the signal and cancel the light.

I had opportunity to get to the dealer a couple of weeks ago. They told me that the light was due to the vent solenoid and wiring harness being "destroyed". Beyond this it was not really described to me. The tech simply said that the wiring harness that runs the length of the vehicle was toast and the vent solenoid on the fuel tank that it is attached to needs to replaced as well.

I was told that the harness(part # MR958724) is 800 bucks and the solenoid(MR464068) is 100. Plus 11 hours of labour! He said everything had to be taken out to replace it, seats, carpet, tranny, the works.

Has anybody ever heard of this before. How does this wiring harness get wrecked? I asked if it would be from road debris, he said he doesn't know how it could happen. If this is such an important part should it not be better protected? The vehicle runs as well as it ever has, the tech says they cannot cancel the light until this has been replaced. I am looking at a $2600 repair bill. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

Help?!

 

find out more data. the harness runs inside of the car for most of the length of it.