Fusebox losing connection (Page 1/1)
tjoudrey FEB 17, 08:17 PM
I have run into a couple issues including my headlights not lowering and my dash light not activating. I found that I can fix these problems temporarily by putting pressure on fuses in the fusebox.

Is there any way to fix my fuseboxs connections?
Mike in Sydney FEB 17, 08:55 PM
Start by cleaning the connections and possibly using thin coating of dielectric grease.

------------------
Mike in Sydney

olejoedad FEB 18, 07:34 AM

quote
Originally posted by Mike in Sydney:

Start by cleaning the connections and possibly using thin coating of dielectric grease.




You do realize that dielectric grease is not conductive?
It shields parts from corrosion, and can be used where there is good metal to metal contact and adequate voltage and amp draw, but it does NOT improve conductivity.
theogre FEB 18, 12:08 PM
If you put pressure on fuses etc then Replace fuse(s) is 1st step.
Old fuses can crack the insides and you often won't see. See http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/143414.html

Fuse box iffy connections is hard to fix beyond pulling out then push in a fuse a few times.
Many fuse sockets have at least 1 terminal installed in batches tying them together. So even when you push release tool in the front some "pins" refuse to pull out in the back. You have to use several release tools at same time to remove them.

Tail Fuse is used for "Taillight," dash lights, and to lower HL lift assem. Pull/push old fused a few times then Replace that and to same a couple time w/ new fuse. Don't use any grease.

If that Doesn't help... Likely someone trying to fit wire etc in the socket. Terminals Can be fix/replace but is more work and Must disconnect battery to work in fuse box. Replacing needs right terminals and tools and otfen still needs solder too if you plane to keep the car. (Hand crimping is far weaker the factory crimping w/ air/electric crimp tools.)

Dielectric Grease and many others isn't a good thing there.
Because most Greases "melts" and can stain clothes etc. DG have Silicon Oil as base as "melts" at very low temps Often < 60°F. Other greases can "melt" over time and worse problems "leaking" oils and Dyes Including many High Heat grease at low temps. Most "Normal" greases attack plastic parts so not use them.
I use Permatex Brake Grease when need DG because won't kill rubber/plastic and won't melt or wash off unless maybe hit by a pressure cleaner.

Yes, Dielectric Grease etc isn't made to get better connections. In most cases When use the metal parts "cut thru" the grease to get connection. What grease does is fill any voids letting in "water" and dirt attack the metal then "rust" will force open the connect of X amount of time.
In fact When plane DG or any "Heat Sink" grease are used w/ any Heat Sink... Most need extra plastic/mica insulation parts to electrically isolate whatever part from the Heat Sink. Grease in this case is to fill voids full of air that doesn't move heat well. Example: In Dash Dimmer Trans have Plastic between Trans and Sink and trans screws go into socket w/o touching the sink metal. You coat Both side of that insulator w/ HS grease. W/o the plastics the Collector of the trans and Pin D shorts "12v" to ground and blows 20a Tail Fuse if your lucky.
OTOH ICM's doesn't need the insulators because made to not need them. (ICM w/o grease have both problems... voids between module and mounting surface lets water etc to "rust" and air and "rust" will make them to run hot and fry.)

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Mike in Sydney FEB 18, 04:34 PM
Yep, I realise dielectric grease is non-conductive. That's why I said clean the connections. I should have added use the dielectric grease to minimise corrosion.

Ogre, you make some really good points but FWIW, I've had good experience using dielectric grease to prevent corrosion. I don't slather it on because of the issues you mentioned. I use a thin film and wipe off any visible excess.

------------------
Mike in Sydney

[This message has been edited by Mike in Sydney (edited 02-18-2020).]