Fuse Box Burnt Out

[Neil1972]

Hi was out the other evening strong smell of burning then on Xmas Eve alternator workshop light came on. Have searched forum and found this common fault fuse box burnt had a look and the first lead in the box has melted and come away. I have read all the posts and have two questions 1) Which cable do I also need to replace and can I just cut some off? 2) Why has this happended it seemed to coincide with putting the heated screen on but I have used this lots of times in the past. Thanks

[seatkid]

Welcome to the forum.

 

The reason for this common failure is down to a faulty crimped end on the cable - usually the thick cable to the battery or the cable to the alternator. Its a manufacturing fault that shows up after a few years when the insides of the crimp become oxidised.

 

You could remake the cable end, but you need a new crimp and a crimping tool or solder with a blow torch. A new cable can be bought at the dealer, I don't think they are too expensive . A new fusebox is not all that expensive, so if its damaged I would replace that too.

 

Remember to phone VW / SEAT / Ford dealers to get best price. Usually the VW dealers are a lot cheaper than the Ford dealers. (Just refer to your car as a Sharan). GSF Car Parts / Eurocarparts may be cheaper still.

[daddyfixit]

i found it cheaper at fords, vw would not give a warranty on it as they say its not a vw car its going on !!!!

 

mine melted the lid slightly and was wafting a burning plastic smell in the car when you started up, even using lights or wipers would start the smell.

 

i renewed the fuse box, but also had a new terminal put on the end that was iffy.......i just pop the lid every time i lift the bonnet to do the levels to make sure its still ok.

[Neil1972]

Welcome to the forum.

 

The reason for this common failure is down to a faulty crimped end on the cable - usually the thick cable to the battery or the cable to the alternator. Its a manufacturing fault that shows up after a few years when the insides of the crimp become oxidised.

 

You could remake the cable end, but you need a new crimp and a crimping tool or solder with a blow torch. A new cable can be bought at the dealer, I don't think they are too expensive . A new fusebox is not all that expensive, so if its damaged I would replace that too.

 

Remember to phone VW / SEAT / Ford dealers to get best price. Usually the VW dealers are a lot cheaper than the Ford dealers. (Just refer to your car as a Sharan). GSF Car Parts / Eurocarparts may be cheaper still.

Hi thanks for the info, every where is shut today so will hopefully get one tomorrow. Could not find it on either of those websites is it called a fuse box?

[seatkid]

Hi thanks for the info, every where is shut today so will hopefully get one tomorrow. Could not find it on either of those websites is it called a fuse box?

Phone your local depot up and ask - they are usually very helpful.

[daddyfixit]

as soon as you tell them its the one underbonnet---right next to the battery, they will be on it !

[Brash]

Hi

I've also had this problem since last year when my local garage replaced the fusebox but left the slightly damaged alternator cable.Ever since then I've suspected my battery was on its way out due to struggling to start on some cold mornings.I've since found out the fusebox is melting again so will be replacing the fusebox and alternator cable this time myself.

Ford prices were