Cleaning female connector

[bluezedd]

Hi guys,

I have been having a problem maybe 3 times with an ABS sensor in my car for the past couple of years. This problem is corrosion of the male and female block connector which goes to the rear passenger ABS sensor.

In the past I have cleaned this connection perhaps once a year and solved the problem. I would use servisol contact cleaner, try scraping the contacts in the block connector with sand paper, repeatedly plug and unplug the connector etc, and this seems to solve the issue for a year.

My most recent attempt did not solve the issue, and the problem returned within a week.

The problem is it's difficult to get into the female end of the connector to clean it, as the holes are quite small. Any sand paper you use either is too flimsy, or if you try and put something around it, then it's too thick for the connector.

I was wondering if you guys had any experience of tools specifically for cleaning electrical contacts, such as this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/1369179948?iid=3224746235...

My main concerns is that I could end up buying this, but finding it's too large to fit into the block connector anyway, so could be a waste of money.

Maybe you guys have a better tool suggestion for doing the cleaning? I'm working with a connector similar to this:

https://www.amazon.com/Connector-Sensor-Repair-Wir...

I could buy a pigtail and solder it in, but I think the one that's on there is still salvagable, and it's more of an access issue that is preventing me from cleaning it enough.

Thanks for your help

[GreenV8S]

The terminals will most likely be plated and any attempt to clean them abrasively will knacker them. I'm sure you could dismantle the connector and replace the terminals, but if you can get a new connector for sensible money that's going to be far easier.

Is the connector exposed to spray and dirt from the road? If so, I'd look for ways to seal it - maybe using a sleeve over the joint, or using dielectric grease to protect the terminals.

[Penelope Stopit]

Remove the orange wedge

Look into the aperture and you should see that there are plastic legs that are locking the terminals in the plug

Using a thin screwdriver, nail or needle, lift each plastic leg and withdraw terminals from plug

[bluezedd]

GreenV8S said:

The terminals will most likely be plated and any attempt to clean them abrasively will knacker them. I'm sure you could dismantle the connector and replace the terminals, but if you can get a new connector for sensible money that's going to be far easier.

Is the connector exposed to spray and dirt from the road? If so, I'd look for ways to seal it - maybe using a sleeve over the joint, or using dielectric grease to protect the terminals.

Hi GreenV8S, thanks for your advice on the connector. I suspect I may have already knackered the connector then if that's the case with my previous "cleaning" of it in the past.

Looking at the connector, I will likely have to pick one (or all 4) up from a scrappy as I've not found ones identical to mine. I think you're right though that cutting it off and soldering on a replacement is going to be easier. I'm not the best with splitting connectors but have a lot of experience soldering.

I think you're right with trying to seal the connector with dielectric grease too. The connector does have a rubber seal, but I'm thinking it may be comprimised as it's only this one that I ever have problems with.

Penelope Stopit said:

Remove the orange wedge

Look into the aperture and you should see that there are plastic legs that are locking the terminals in the plug

Using a thin screwdriver, nail or needle, lift each plastic leg and withdraw terminals from plug

Hi penelope stopit,

thanks for the tip on how to disassemble the connector. It looks like this may be worth a go as I have nothing to loose. I will try and see if I can get a replacement connector too as a backup so if I have any problems I can cut and solder a new one on.

I purchased this contact cleaner too which might be able to help things. I have no clue if it's any better than servisol contact cleaner, but will try and see how I get on:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Caig-DeoxIT-Contact-Clean...

Thanks for all your help guys!

[Penelope Stopit]

Ok then

[Haltamer]

As suggested above, It'd probably be worth packing it out with silicone grease once you resinstall - Should keep any water out and prevent having to clean it out so frequently.

[VanDiesel99]

I have a similar issue with my Tow Bar electrics, I clean them with a Rotary Wire Brush on a low powered Battery Screwdriver.

This sort of thing...

[andburg]

another handly option for smaller connections is interdental dental brushes

eg;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Interdental-Flosser-Tooth...