Electrical problems or gremlins

[whunter]

Hello Everyone
If you have electrical problems or gremlins on any vehicle, here are the first three generic steps.
#1. Test the battery.
#2. Test the alternator.
#3. Replace all vehicle fuses, do NOT test them!

Now you are ready to go on with the serious diagnostics.
Roughly three of every ten vehicles with electrical problems or gremlins are fixed in the first three steps; you could be one of the lucky ones.

Have a great day.

[Cateaux]

Why shouldn't fuses be tested? Come to think of it, how could one test a fuse anyway? Check resistance, perhaps?

[Brian Carlton]

Most of the fuses on these vehicles are of aluminum. Over time they corrode and develop cracks that you may or may not see.

For $12.00 or so, Roy suggests that you replace all of them and be done with it. Use fuses made from copper or brass.

It's cheap insurance.

[Jim H]

Fuse Testing Methods

Non-destructive testing used by consumers

Look at them. If the center wire has not melted, it's probably not 'blown.'

Check with an ohmmeter. If it measures low resistance, it's not blown. If it has really high resistance, it is open.

Destructive Testing used for Quality Control
Run current through a fuse, and record the current when it melted.

You can't easily measure to predict when a fuse will melt, but you can predict its melting current by trial and error, then employing close tolerances on metallurgy and thickness of the element.

Any open circuit, whether from a melted fuse element, a broken connector, or corrosion between two metals, will prevent current flow.

Best Regards,
Jim

[whunter]

in engineering and the field:
The aluminum changes composition over time.
Fuses are made from a low quality material, and procured from the low bidder.

[whunter]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Most of the fuses on these vehicles are of aluminum. Over time they corrode and develop cracks that you may or may not see.

For $12.00 or so, Roy suggests that you replace all of them and be done with it. Use fuses made from copper or brass.

It's cheap insurance.

Here is a random selected source for fuses made from copper or brass.
http://www.jbugs.com/store/merchant....gory_Code=1134

Here is the search used to find this source.
http://www.google.com/search?q=VW+fu...&start=10&sa=N

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by whunter

Here is a random selected source for fuses made from copper or brass.
http://www.jbugs.com/store/merchant....gory_Code=1134

$1.50 for 10 fuses!!

I just bought 40 of them.........too good to pass up.

Thanks, Roy!!

[SD Blue]

Battery to chassis and chassis to engine ground straps probably should be added to this. Some of the electrical problems I have had in the past, with very strange symptoms, was due to the engine ground strap.

[1badav]

After receiving numerous emails and private messages, I have found it necessary to edit the original post to reflect that I am not the one selling these fuses, nor am I affiliated or connected in any way with the seller. The seller's name is Mombo. I simply copied his ebay listing and posted it as a potential source for fellow forum members to consider when pricing these fuses. Sorry for the confusion.


This is a better price and cost on shipping if you're willing to buy in quantity.




40 PIECES OF GBC CERAMIC OEM STYLE FUSES FOR YOUR EUROPEAN CARS . 10 EACH OF 5 AMP,, 8, 16, 25, AMP. YOU CAN MIX THEM UP ANY WAY YOU WANT IN PACKS OF 10 TO TOTAL 40 PCS. THEY ARE ALL NEW MADE IN GERMANY BY FLOSSER. $6.50 +$3.95 SHIP
HERE IS MY WHOLESALE PRICES FOR YOU VOLUME PLAYERS.THEY COME IN PACKS OF 20.
• 100 PC 9.25 CENTS EA= $9.25 + $3.95 SHIP
• 200 PC 8.5 CENTS EA= $17.00 + $6.95 SHIP
• 500 PC 7.75 CENTS EA= $38.75 + $9.75 SHIP
•
• .YOU CAN ALSO MIX THESE ANY WAY YOU WANT. IN PACKS OF 20. ALSO. ANY QUEST E-MAIL ME OR CALL 732 262-4459 IF IM NOT THERE LEAVE A MESSAGE. THANKYOU MOMBO