Unpleasant Cerb Experience

[oli_quick]

Lovely (as it can be) drive down the m6/m1 last night...and Rev counter begins goes haywire. I think maybe the gear box sensor has worked loose...hey ho..I'll get home.

Then Speedo goes, then CD flashes...then inevitably - revs sputter power loss..then lights...and ignition.

With my reading of this forum - I am guessing the issue maybe the fabled 'big fuse'?

As the rev counter was affected....and then what seemed like an alternator issue...

Anyone agree...and if so, where is this 'big fuse' and how do I change it.

p.s. I got home at 4:30am...very, very, very cold...car on low loader. I did NOT kiss her goodnight. Any help gratefully recived...car stuck on road at present...brings a tear to my eye.

[mike_e]

Yep, typical big fuse failure. It sits in the cable from the alternator and if it goes you have to rely on the battery alone.

Fuse is in a plastic holder and sits on the top of the gearbox bellhousing. Remove the big cover in front of the windscreen and look down between the engine and bulkhead. It's a flat blade 100A type available from most motor factors.

[garethgtt]

Check this fella out

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=112506

>> Edited by garethgtt on Monday 14th November 11:53

[Extra 300 Driver]

Where are you? Want me to come and sort it for you?

I work at Stansted, live in Southend. Will travel for a cuppa!

Fuse is 50p, got a few of them, and I could show you how.

Up to you chap, you could call ma and I will talk you through it.

[oli_quick]

I am in Highgate - I think I'll give this ago myself (unless u go via Highgate on occasion - then a whole pot of tea will be waiting for you), seems about up to my technical competence...

From the link posted I see that it isn't a 'packaged' fuse per-se it is more just a piece of metal joining two wires.

has anyone got a link to the exact spec of the fuse -

And why is the alternator not wired directly to the battery - is this not the norm for most cars?

Thanks guys

[gbbird]

And i think it is advisable to disconnect the battery prior to changing

[oli_quick]

disconnecting the battery will be quite simple when the large piece of plastic over the engine bay/bulkhead area is removed - will it not?

An this big bit of purple plastic is just held down by Allen nuts is it not?

[gazzab]

dont bother disconnecting battery. You risk alarm probs!!
Just tape up the tools (ie socket and extension bar) to avoid probs.
Gary

[c3ber]

oli_quick said:

disconnecting the battery will be quite simple when the large piece of plastic over the engine bay/bulkhead area is removed - will it not? An this big bit of purple plastic is just held down by Allen nuts is it not?

If you ask for help you will get help no matter what the technical ability is involved so no.

[Extra 300 Driver]

oli_quick said:

disconnecting the battery will be quite simple when the large piece of plastic over the engine bay/bulkhead area is removed - will it not? An this big bit of purple plastic is just held down by Allen nuts is it not?

Thats the one, also need to disconnect the washer tubes.

[oli_quick]

thanks all - James Agger is posting me a fuse.

Anyone got a link to the correct part - maplin site or anywhere else?

[Extra 300 Driver]

GO to http://rswww.com and search 100A fuse.



>> Edited by Extra 300 Driver on Monday 14th November 14:02

[kojak]

Yep. Big fuse. Big expense 60p.

[kojak]

Howabout this on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Boss-Audio-70-100-140-Amp-CIRC

[oli_quick]

So - is there not a 'better' fix to this - a more substantial fuse...or is it just an accepted electrical design floor in what is otherwise a Maplin Store taped together on wheels??

[oli_quick]

ahh....ok so this is a re-setable fuse?

Will the plastics be ok so close to the engine?

Also is it mountable in the Big Fuse position - looks like it may need a flat fooring.

[Extra 300 Driver]

kojak said:

Howabout this on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Boss-Audio-70-100-140-Amp-CIRC

I had one of those but it kept blowing. It was due to the fact a 100A fuse will blow at 120A but the 100A CB will blow at 100A. Infact mine was being blown at 40A.

[kojak]

I use the 60p method Nick, but I know one or two have put them in.

[garethgtt]

With all this recent talk about big fuses going, i think i`ll practice taking mine out and putting it back in again, in training for the M1 in the middle of winter, in the rain with HGVs flying past!

[marcus1970]

Right then - so where are the right fuses available from at 60p?

MB