ELECTRICS DIED ON CHIMEARA
Discussion
HI
Just picked up my new tvr last Friday, enjoying the drive home and just about to see what it could do and unfortunately it died on me !
All electrics failed, no hazards, couldnt open windows, couldnt open boot...nothing at all.
Phoned garage who I bought the car from, who were extremely helpful and apologetic and sent someone out straight away.
The mechanic found the problem and it was the main fuse in the footwell had overheated and the actual holder had melted. He replaced it and the car drove home fine.
I am just a bit wary now as to whether it will happen again. Is this a common fault or just unfortunate?.
The garage had taken it out for a long run the day before to check everything and they did do some re wiring but all was fine.
Just picked up my new tvr last Friday, enjoying the drive home and just about to see what it could do and unfortunately it died on me !
All electrics failed, no hazards, couldnt open windows, couldnt open boot...nothing at all.
Phoned garage who I bought the car from, who were extremely helpful and apologetic and sent someone out straight away.
The mechanic found the problem and it was the main fuse in the footwell had overheated and the actual holder had melted. He replaced it and the car drove home fine.
I am just a bit wary now as to whether it will happen again. Is this a common fault or just unfortunate?.
The garage had taken it out for a long run the day before to check everything and they did do some re wiring but all was fine.
KEEFY49 said:
HI
Just picked up my new tvr last Friday, enjoying the drive home and just about to see what it could do and unfortunately it died on me !
All electrics failed, no hazards, couldnt open windows, couldnt open boot...nothing at all.
Phoned garage who I bought the car from, who were extremely helpful and apologetic and sent someone out straight away.
The mechanic found the problem and it was the main fuse in the footwell had overheated and the actual holder had melted. He replaced it and the car drove home fine.
I am just a bit wary now as to whether it will happen again. Is this a common fault or just unfortunate?.
The garage had taken it out for a long run the day before to check everything and they did do some re wiring but all was fine.
KeithJust picked up my new tvr last Friday, enjoying the drive home and just about to see what it could do and unfortunately it died on me !
All electrics failed, no hazards, couldnt open windows, couldnt open boot...nothing at all.
Phoned garage who I bought the car from, who were extremely helpful and apologetic and sent someone out straight away.
The mechanic found the problem and it was the main fuse in the footwell had overheated and the actual holder had melted. He replaced it and the car drove home fine.
I am just a bit wary now as to whether it will happen again. Is this a common fault or just unfortunate?.
The garage had taken it out for a long run the day before to check everything and they did do some re wiring but all was fine.
The electrics in these things aren't the best. I agree that it is worth getting yourself a multimeter, but it is also work checking all of the connections, wiring, fuses and earths for split sheathing, corrosion and poor quality terminating. It is also worth checking the battery for leaking and blowing. Where necessary, clean and tighten the connections and use petroleum jelly to protect them. It may also be worth buying spares of the 80A and 100A fuses, together with new cases (very cheap) just in case. Glow fuses are another useful addition given the inaccessibility of the fuse box.
Don't panic, it can happen. My 100 amp fuse has blown twice in 12 months. Just get midi fuse spares off EBay and keep them with you in the car, and make sure you have your RAC card, or an 8mm socket (I think it s). In the car too.
You now know the 80 amp fuse symptoms.
The 100 amp fuse is outside, under the car, strapped in a similar holder to the chassis near the rear arm of the drivers side lower front wishbone. It lies between battery and alternator, and if it blows you end up running on battery until the battery runs out.
You now know the 80 amp fuse symptoms.
The 100 amp fuse is outside, under the car, strapped in a similar holder to the chassis near the rear arm of the drivers side lower front wishbone. It lies between battery and alternator, and if it blows you end up running on battery until the battery runs out.
As said, the electrics are one of the weak points. Learn what melting plastic smells like, it may save you from any problems. Mine doesnt like to have the high beams left on the headlights for more than a couple of minutes, it reminds me of this with a smell whenever I'm driving down a lane at night. There should have been a good warning smell inside the car to actually melt a fuse holder 
slippery said:
Sorry to hear this OP. I get my new (to me) Chimaera tomorrow and I'm hoping it will give me a bit longer than yours has given you before throwing its first fit! Can a clueless bod like me still perform these multimeter tests? Is there a thread on here about it? 
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