Bridging Fuse Melting

[Nigel63]

I have owned my 1.9tdi Ghia 2002 plate for approx 8 months in that time it has managed to melt to fuse boxes. i have checked the other

threads and see that other people have or have had the same problem, but could someone tell me if the fuse melting is a sign the alternator

is faulty or the fuse problems causes the alternator failure. I do not want to fork out for an alternator if i dont need to.

 

Thanks

 

Nigel63

[mumof4]

i assume you mean the main fuse feed box which is at the front under the bonnet with a thick black cable going into it.If it has melted 2 and your alt hasnt gone yet then you are lucky.Second time mine went it took out the alt.

 

Did you have that main cable replaced the second time it went?..if not..try replaceing the cable as that is what i did and it didnt go again.the fuse boxes themselves are around 15/20 quid...but i recommend replaceing the cable..and id do it before your fuse box melts again.

 

you have to make sure when replaceing that fuse box that there is no dirt on the connectors..nary even a speck as that can cause overheating then poof..off it goes again.

 

 

WElcome to our abode by the way.

[Nigel63]

thanks for the reply, no i have not replaced any cables. do you mean the main alternator cable to the box, anmy idea of cost and if its a Ford dealer part only.

 

Thanks

 

Nigel 63

[mumof4]

YUp..thats the one..doesnt cost much..can be done at any garage.

[Nigel63]

is it a part i can buy and fit or does it have to made up by a garage.

[mumof4]

WEll if you get the right cable..i assume you can do it yourself...but i had mine done by a garage..only cost me 20 quid i think..If you do it yourself..make sure the connectors are clesn where it connects in the fuse box!!....its what i was told.also that the connecting bit doesnt move.

[Nigel63]

already fitted a new fuse box, fitting the cable shouldnt be anymore difficult i hope.

You said i was lucky the alternator not going, i havent seen any signs of it not charging and no lights coming on the dashboard, so can i assume its ok.

[mumof4]

Touch wood it should be ok...id def change the cable..then hopefully it should be ok...Im not promiseing though!

 

Though..what i would say..is keep an eye on the fuse box..check it every couple of days or so when you have changed the cable...if it does go again..then i would change the cable and fuse box at the same time.

[Nigel63]

I think i will need to change the fuse box again anyway, its started to melt and the bridge between the alternator return cable and the one next to it is almost non existant.

[mumof4]

Then i would change asap...both fuse box and cable..you may not be so lucky when it does go..as it may take out the alt...if you can..get the parts without useing the car.mine went whilst the car was being driven.

[Nigel63]

I will get the parts as soon as i can. and will let you know if it works. Thanks very much for your replies.

When i get this sorted then i can get around to fixing the rest, climate control, abs brake light waring.

[mumof4]

No worries..am i to take it that your climate control is flashing?if so..may just need a regas

[Nigel63]

yes it is, but i had that done to find out a hose is leaking. Garage so called ordered the hose then went bump. so i need to find which one is leaking.