electrical and ignition Fuses And Intermittent Electrical Connections

[OriginalOwner]

Last week I again experienced intermittent operation of the turn signals, it has happened many times over the past many years.  One day they work, the next they don't, the day after they work just fine.

 

I finally figured out the root cause:  the metal at the end of the fuse is worn away causing an intermittent connection.  And you cannot see the problem unless you actually remove the fuse.  All these years I've just wiggled it to supposedly "solve" the problem, without actually removing the fuse.

 

Here's the trouble-causing fuse end:  there is not supposed to be a hole there, a new fuse has a solid metal cap.  Over the years, that metal was worn away, for all I know it is probably the original fuse.

 

 

 

Cheers,

 

Carl

Edited August 20, 2013 by OriginalOwner

[FunkyLaneO]

That is why it is recommended to occasionally replace all of the fuses, this style fuse will do that over time, also the exposed metal of the fuse can oxidize and change it's resistance and amperage.

[jgerock]

Good sleuthing Carl.  I have seen some new fuses that look dubious at best.  Wonder if someone makes a drop in (or similar sized) fuse block with spade type fuses?

[Napes]

FWIW It has been mentioned about a hundred, or more, times on this board to remove a suspect fuse and examine the ends.  I assume you are new to this board and have now learned a valuable lesson.

 

Bob Napier

[John_in_VA]

I assume you are new to this board and have now learned a valuable lesson.

769 posts

[OriginalOwner]

 not so much new to the board, just too-selective in my reading and responding.

 

 this particular fuse:  the worn-away end is the one pointing "downward and away" from the eyeball, in the stiff holder .... not the "upward" springy-end holder.  Thus when only rotating it, like I've done all these years, one doesn't see that end of the fuse.

 and I've always assumed that corrosion was the problem:  a couple of wiggles and no more problem.  I hadn't a clue the metal itself was wearing away.

 

Cheers,

 

Carl

Edited August 20, 2013 by OriginalOwner

[ndog]

is thier a unlike button ????      

if urenot2sureastosomeonescomment

good problem solve on the car you just got last week

Edited August 20, 2013 by ndog

[OriginalOwner]

 ndog,

 

 yeh, these new cars can be a headache, but I have myself to blame:  too much lunching and not enough wrenching.

 

Cheers,

 

Carl

[jgerock]

769 posts

John - I was waiting for a response from CD like yours  .

 

Is he too busy selling Bimmers in Darien, CT?

[ndog]

someone.... might find this under the" search "funkchtion and LOOK at the fuses.

beers would Bcracked/car would be fixed

[Mike Self]

Coupla fuse thoughts:

 

Don't know if they still do, but Buss (US fuse maker) used to make glass fuses with bullet-shaped metal ends for old VW Beetles to be used instead of the ceramic fuses both Beetles and 2002s use.  They're nickel plated and much sturdier than the German ceramic fuses; they just don't look stock.  If they're still available, they're a long-term solution to the worn fuse problem.

 

Also--when you clean the fuses, be sure and clean the spring brass fuse holders.  I used to use an old-fashioned typewriter eraser--the kind that looked like a wood pencil but with an abrasive rubber center instead of lead.  Twirl it in the hole at the end of the fuse holder and it'll shine up that brass contact point just like new.  Can you still get those erasers now that typewriters are passe?

 

mike

[John_in_VA]

I used to use an old-fashioned typewriter eraser--the kind that looked like a wood pencil but with an abrasive rubber center instead of lead.

Still available! Faber Castell Perfection Eraser Pencil Art