Main 40A Fuse Blown

[Al D]

The main 'jesus' fuse (the main 40 Amp one) blew on my car this afternoon whilst the car was idling after being washed. I made sure that everything in the engine bay was dry and then swapped the blown fuse for the similarly sized rad/condenser fuse below it. Car started and runs without problem but I won't be using it until I have replaced the blown fuse and perhaps acquired a couple of spares!

First of all, is the fact that the fuse blew any cause for concern?

And secondly, can anyone suggest a good website to order these large blade 40A fuses from?

Many thanks,

Al

[joust]

A blown fuse should never be "just replaced", as they shouldn't blow! You might have been unlucky with the water, but if it blows again get it professionally checked out.

You can get spares from here
www.consumabulbs.com/files/bdet.php?id=312&PHPSESSID=81e12851288b00e58c9979517b74303c

www.thefusecompany.com/fuse.php/cPath/61/products_id/479

www.car-fuses.co.uk/standardfuses.htm

J

[Al D]

Thanks Joust. Placed an order with consumabulbs ... only £5.50 for 10 with free next day delivery!

[JLSELAN]

There have been several fuse failures reported in US cars, and they have been attributed to questionable quality of the originally fitted SA fuses. I believe US installers are now routinely replacing these critical fuses with US made fuses as part of the install process.

>> Edited by JLSELAN on Sunday 12th March 20:19

[ufo 2 nob]

Make sure that you have not got anything faulty plugged in the cigarette socket,its not the equipment normally but more often a faulty or broken connector plug that fits into the socket that can cause the problem.

Mind you if you have nothing plugged in then it won't be that but check if you have!

[J1mmyD]

I admit to not knowing much about the Noble's electrics, but I do have a good knowledge of vehicle electrics in general.

The 40A fuse you're talking about should be on the main feed to the vehicle's electrics and it's function is to blow in case of a dead short from the battery.

Check the cable that runs from the +ve terminal to the main fuse board. You're looking for some problem with the plastic coating having rubbed through. With you saying that this happened immediately after washing, it's possible that it is simply water related, but that's unlikely to be the only cause. The water could have helped conductivity but is unlikely to be the main cause.

Look particularly at your elecrtical entry through the vehicle's firewall as well as the run from the terminal to the main loom.

It shouldn't be an expensive or even a long fix, but it does sound like the shrouding's rubbed somewhere.

[paulcundy]

Hmm, methinks the clue here is wash(i.e. wet)ing the car.......
Regards
Paul C

[robp]

I had the 40A fuse go and was due to faulty ignition relay. Replaced both and no problems since. Don't ignore blown fuses - they go for a reason!

[l6nex]

I had this happen on my car too, check the wiring from the alternator, that was the problem with mine! the heat from the exhaust and turbo had made the plastic covering go rock hard and it broke off and shorted against something, I have now rerouted all that wiring as it was giving me alot of problems with getting so hot, even with the heat protective cover.

dave

[paulcundy]

l6nex said:

I had this happen on my car too, check the wiring from the alternator, that was the problem with mine! the heat from the exhaust and turbo had made the plastic covering go rock hard and it broke off and shorted against something, I have now rerouted all that wiring as it was giving me alot of problems with getting so hot, even with the heat protective cover. dave

Fried wiring is something the americans are seeing quite a lot of.
Regards
Paul C

[joust]

paulcundy said:

Fried wiring is something the americans are seeing quite a lot of.

Does seem to be an issue more on the US forums than over here.

I seem to recall about 3 people that have had loom issues over here, many more throttle cables, but still, given the number of owners on here, nothing like the US guys.

Wonder what the difference is - persumably there is only one "place" for the loom and it's done the same, but I wonder if the SA factory uses different heat shielding. Certainly the M400 has the "rubbery" stuff around the alternator/turbos that I know from the guys at work is very expensive but significantly tolerant to heat. Wonder if the US guys are using the same?

J