Cheers to PH !!

[Robin S]

Well here's a tale of gratitude and relief!

Driving to Glasgow Airport last week dreading another working week away from home when the battery light came on. On the M8 at this stage and not many options of where to stop to check things out. Anyway the car decided for me when it died in the middle lane leaving me to coast somewhat precariously to the hard shoulder.

Anyway to cut a long story very short, a few phone calls later, my brother arrived in the rescue-mobile... and a tow home was the only option. Not fun when it's snowing, the roads are a mess and total lack of power means no wipers!! Bonus was I missed my flight and got an extra day at home but thats another story.

So amidst great fears of battery - alternator replacement etc.. I decided to track down my problem right here on PH. 20 mins later was under the car pulling the fusible link apart!! RESULT!! Couldn't find a similar fuse from any auto-electricians in Glasgow so mail ordered from TMS's website, £0.66. Arrived next day so in literally 10 mins was back up and running.

Maybe not a hugely bizarre story but I couldn't help feeling totally grateful to all PH'ers who post here. Decided that having sought help here a few times, I had to pay a huge thanks to all!! PH is the biz!

CHEERS NOW!
Robin

[robkola]

Good news!!!



Now's your chance to buy everyone on PH a pie and pint!

[AllTorque]

Now why didn't I do that??!!?? Mine cost 26quid! Doh! How did you know where to find the fusable link? I didn't have a clue where to look, even though I've got the bible!

Peed off now!

[wolosp]

.... so mail ordered from TMS's website, £0.66.

Robin, looking on TMS's site, is this the 'fusible link' - M0615 ALTERNATOR FUSE 100A EACH £ 0.66 ?
There's also another hefty fuse... M0493 80 AMP FUSE EACH £ 0.66

There's mention of fuse link wires and fuse link box, but I guess you normally only need a fuse in your get-you-home kit.
Paul.

[Robin S]

Yep the 100A fuse is the one. The burst one that came out had 100A stamped on it so I knew which I needed. Actually bought a couple for back up... (and incase I managed to break or damage one!)

Robin

[wolosp]

Thanks Robin - won't hurt to carry one in the car - I located the fuse box under the car...better to find it now in the garage rather than in the dark by the roadside!

[prancing]

Nice to hear about car being repaired without expense or dealer trouble, My concern would be Why did the 100amp fuse blow?? My house is only protected by a 60 amp fuse, seems a large fuse to blow on a car. Is it battery powered

G.

[the dodger]

Prancing - your house is 240v which is 10 times that in the car. So for equivalent power in car you need 10 times current (amps). This is like a 10A fuse in your house.

[prancing]

While I accept the principle of large fuses on DC electrical circuits, is the fact a 100amp fuse is being blown not a cause for concern, or at least a check of the charging circuit? Electrical fires are very scary..or at least there consequences are.

Only friendly advice being given here.

G.

[Robin S]

Prancing, appreciate the concern. I'm not altogether certain why it blew . The cars running great again now and in my time with it, this is the first I've had this problem. I was wondering if maybe extremes in outside temperature helped it on its way...it's pretty exposed down there so maybe starting on very cold mornings then loading up with lights, heater blower, wipers etc didn't help? There seems to be a few of us experiencing this just now. Coincidence or have we a seasonal gremlin?? Comments and opinions from technical folks very welcome.

Cheers
Robin