550 Maranello annoying intermittent electrical problem!
Discussion
Likely the root cause is related to the fuseboard. They suffer with burnt contacts, internal faults and dodgy connector blocks.
If it's just a connector block giving them a wiggle usually gets them going again.
1. Access the fuseboard-passenger footwell behind the floormat.
2. Release the fuseboard door.
3. You will now see the fuseboard. Shine a torch onto it and carefully examine the cables as they enter the board, look for any signs of melted wires/burning. Pay particular attention to the two thick red wires that go into the board towards the right hand side. If anything looks burnt or melted then it's a job for the garage. If not, then proceed...
4. With the ignition on, indicators on, heater etc, gently wiggle each connector block in turn to see if you can replicate the fault. If you can, youve found the culprit.
5. Switch off the ignition.
6. Disconnect the affected block from the board. There is a locking tab halfway along the block which you must push inward to release it- the blocks are tight together off so be patient and don't pull on the wiring!!
7. Once off, turn the block around so the metal pins inside it are facing you. Take your torch and carefully examine each pin, look for traces of burning/black marks or bent ends!
8. Give the inside of the plug a quick blast of electrical contact cleaner (places like maplins sell it for just a few quid)
9. Once dry, take a straightened out paperclip and use it to gently tighten up each if the metal pins by pushing into the outer edge of the block and applying light pressure to the back of the pin
10. Plug the block back onto the fuseboard and try the test again
11. If it's worked, well done! If not, it was worth a go!
If it's just a connector block giving them a wiggle usually gets them going again.
1. Access the fuseboard-passenger footwell behind the floormat.
2. Release the fuseboard door.
3. You will now see the fuseboard. Shine a torch onto it and carefully examine the cables as they enter the board, look for any signs of melted wires/burning. Pay particular attention to the two thick red wires that go into the board towards the right hand side. If anything looks burnt or melted then it's a job for the garage. If not, then proceed...
4. With the ignition on, indicators on, heater etc, gently wiggle each connector block in turn to see if you can replicate the fault. If you can, youve found the culprit.
5. Switch off the ignition.
6. Disconnect the affected block from the board. There is a locking tab halfway along the block which you must push inward to release it- the blocks are tight together off so be patient and don't pull on the wiring!!
7. Once off, turn the block around so the metal pins inside it are facing you. Take your torch and carefully examine each pin, look for traces of burning/black marks or bent ends!
8. Give the inside of the plug a quick blast of electrical contact cleaner (places like maplins sell it for just a few quid)
9. Once dry, take a straightened out paperclip and use it to gently tighten up each if the metal pins by pushing into the outer edge of the block and applying light pressure to the back of the pin
10. Plug the block back onto the fuseboard and try the test again
11. If it's worked, well done! If not, it was worth a go!
Edited by Cerberaherts on Wednesday 30th September 08:15
Cerberaherts said:
Likely the root cause is related to the fuseboard. They suffer with burnt contacts, internal faults and dodgy connector blocks.
If it's just a connector block giving them a wiggle usually gets them going again.
1. Access the fuseboard-passenger footwell behind the floormat.
2. Release the fuseboard door.
3. You will now see the fuseboard. Shine a torch onto it and carefully examine the cables as they enter the board, look for any signs of melted wires/burning. Pay particular attention to the two thick red wires that go into the board towards the right hand side. If anything looks burnt or melted then it's a job for the garage. If not, then proceed...
4. With the ignition on, indicators on, heater etc, gently wiggle each connector block in turn to see if you can replicate the fault. If you can, youve found the culprit.
5. Switch off the ignition.
6. Disconnect the affected block from the board. There is a locking tab halfway along the block which you must push inward to release it- the blocks are tight together off so be patient and don't pull on the wiring!!
7. Once off, turn the block around so the metal pins inside it are facing you. Take your torch and carefully examine each pin, look for traces of burning/black marks or bent ends!
8. Give the inside of the plug a quick blast of electrical contact cleaner (places like maplins sell it for just a few quid)
9. Once dry, take a straightened out paperclip and use it to gently tighten up each if the metal pins by pushing into the outer edge of the block and applying light pressure to the back of the pin
10. Plug the block back onto the fuseboard and try the test again
11. If it's worked, well done! If not, it was worth a go!
Many thanks for this. I'll pass it onto the mechanic who had a quick look today. He is not a Fez specialist (there aren't any in North Norfolk!) but a good general mechanic and he seemed relatively clued up on the subject. If needs be I may ask him to call you - is that OK?If it's just a connector block giving them a wiggle usually gets them going again.
1. Access the fuseboard-passenger footwell behind the floormat.
2. Release the fuseboard door.
3. You will now see the fuseboard. Shine a torch onto it and carefully examine the cables as they enter the board, look for any signs of melted wires/burning. Pay particular attention to the two thick red wires that go into the board towards the right hand side. If anything looks burnt or melted then it's a job for the garage. If not, then proceed...
4. With the ignition on, indicators on, heater etc, gently wiggle each connector block in turn to see if you can replicate the fault. If you can, youve found the culprit.
5. Switch off the ignition.
6. Disconnect the affected block from the board. There is a locking tab halfway along the block which you must push inward to release it- the blocks are tight together off so be patient and don't pull on the wiring!!
7. Once off, turn the block around so the metal pins inside it are facing you. Take your torch and carefully examine each pin, look for traces of burning/black marks or bent ends!
8. Give the inside of the plug a quick blast of electrical contact cleaner (places like maplins sell it for just a few quid)
9. Once dry, take a straightened out paperclip and use it to gently tighten up each if the metal pins by pushing into the outer edge of the block and applying light pressure to the back of the pin
10. Plug the block back onto the fuseboard and try the test again
11. If it's worked, well done! If not, it was worth a go!
Edited by Cerberaherts on Wednesday 30th September 08:15
Thanks again
Piers
roygarth said:
Cerberaherts said:
Likely the root cause is related to the fuseboard. They suffer with burnt contacts, internal faults and dodgy connector blocks.
If it's just a connector block giving them a wiggle usually gets them going again.
1. Access the fuseboard-passenger footwell behind the floormat.
2. Release the fuseboard door.
3. You will now see the fuseboard. Shine a torch onto it and carefully examine the cables as they enter the board, look for any signs of melted wires/burning. Pay particular attention to the two thick red wires that go into the board towards the right hand side. If anything looks burnt or melted then it's a job for the garage. If not, then proceed...
4. With the ignition on, indicators on, heater etc, gently wiggle each connector block in turn to see if you can replicate the fault. If you can, youve found the culprit.
5. Switch off the ignition.
6. Disconnect the affected block from the board. There is a locking tab halfway along the block which you must push inward to release it- the blocks are tight together off so be patient and don't pull on the wiring!!
7. Once off, turn the block around so the metal pins inside it are facing you. Take your torch and carefully examine each pin, look for traces of burning/black marks or bent ends!
8. Give the inside of the plug a quick blast of electrical contact cleaner (places like maplins sell it for just a few quid)
9. Once dry, take a straightened out paperclip and use it to gently tighten up each if the metal pins by pushing into the outer edge of the block and applying light pressure to the back of the pin
10. Plug the block back onto the fuseboard and try the test again
11. If it's worked, well done! If not, it was worth a go!
Many thanks for this. I'll pass it onto the mechanic who had a quick look today. He is not a Fez specialist (there aren't any in North Norfolk!) but a good general mechanic and he seemed relatively clued up on the subject. If needs be I may ask him to call you - is that OK?If it's just a connector block giving them a wiggle usually gets them going again.
1. Access the fuseboard-passenger footwell behind the floormat.
2. Release the fuseboard door.
3. You will now see the fuseboard. Shine a torch onto it and carefully examine the cables as they enter the board, look for any signs of melted wires/burning. Pay particular attention to the two thick red wires that go into the board towards the right hand side. If anything looks burnt or melted then it's a job for the garage. If not, then proceed...
4. With the ignition on, indicators on, heater etc, gently wiggle each connector block in turn to see if you can replicate the fault. If you can, youve found the culprit.
5. Switch off the ignition.
6. Disconnect the affected block from the board. There is a locking tab halfway along the block which you must push inward to release it- the blocks are tight together off so be patient and don't pull on the wiring!!
7. Once off, turn the block around so the metal pins inside it are facing you. Take your torch and carefully examine each pin, look for traces of burning/black marks or bent ends!
8. Give the inside of the plug a quick blast of electrical contact cleaner (places like maplins sell it for just a few quid)
9. Once dry, take a straightened out paperclip and use it to gently tighten up each if the metal pins by pushing into the outer edge of the block and applying light pressure to the back of the pin
10. Plug the block back onto the fuseboard and try the test again
11. If it's worked, well done! If not, it was worth a go!
Edited by Cerberaherts on Wednesday 30th September 08:15
Thanks again
Piers
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