Wiring Question

[67SniperHockey]

Hey guys - have an intermittent electrical issue. If the fuse block wiggles - sometime dome light/instrument panel works - then sometimes it doesn’t. Buss fuses all look good - but connections seem to have some corrosion. Any help would be appreciated - electrical is not my strong area for sure haha.

 

[Ron H]

Had some electrical gremlins and it was my fuse block - these old blocks were small with connectors in them like sardines. I found one connector making contact with another and some corrosion...plus the block wasn't secure. Installed some new connectors...the kind that are insulated and cleaned off all of the posts/retainers. Nice way to spend a few hours...it was though successful.

 

[pnora]

You have some nasty looking fuse connectors. You need to take the fuses out and clean then till they are nice and shinny. pinch them for a tighter fit and put die-electric grease on them to stop the corrosion. One must be bypassed already.

 

[67SniperHockey]

What’s the best thing to use to clean inside where the buss fuses go? Good ol steel wool? I dabbed some die-electric grease on the top side connections but that’s it.

Thanks guys!!

 

[Ron H]

I've used both a vinegar solution and baking soda/water with a Q-tip redoing the block and my BH connectors (replacing the BH). Both seemed to work fine. Let it dry before reconnecting wires. But there are many OTC cleaners available. I got fine grit needle-point sanding 'sticks' at Hobby Lobby I used to gently clean off female connectors. And I use dielectric grease to fend off new corrosion...

 

[67SniperHockey]

Also at times - the dome light will work, but as soon as I turn the headlights on dome light goes off and so does the light on my water temp gauge. Just seems odd.

 

[69 Sleeper Bee]

Not steel wool.
Get some good fine grade 300-400 automotive sand paper.

 

[Ron H]

If you do the tricks posted on the block and fuses (if you haven't done already) see how this works out. Can't tell ya though how many times I've worked on old cars with bad wiring work done over the years before owning them more often with connecting stereos, tape players, plugging in spade connections to the fuse block, etc. Doing this work...should be cautious not disturbing other wiring/connections...but not always da case. And repair work or connections done using electrical tape that eventually comes loose, on and on. Suggest doing a good exploration of the wiring under the dash looking for this sort of stuff, and checking the wiring to the switch...could be the headlight switch wiring isn't secure or switch needs replacing...yeah - there could be more...a fair start anyway.

 

[67SniperHockey]

Thank you guys!!! I will be sure to start with a thorough cleaning and go from there.

Much appreciated.

 

[snakeoil24]

Hey guys - have an intermittent electrical issue. If the fuse block wiggles - sometime dome light/instrument panel works - then sometimes it doesn’t. Buss fuses all look good - but connections seem to have some corrosion. Any help would be appreciated - electrical is not my strong area for sure haha.

View attachment 1150654 View attachment 1150655

Look at the headlight switch

 

[67SniperHockey]

I cleaned the block and fuses - seems the fuse for the dome light seats in the clips but is still loose - loose enough to have intermittent contact.

 

[69 Sleeper Bee]

If the fuse is still loose you need to gently squeeze the tabs that hold it together. That fuse needs to be tight in there.
Be careful not to break off one of the legs though

 

[67SniperHockey]

Cleaned the entire fuse box. Removed old buss fuses and clamped the ends of the tabs together to make them tighter.

Added all new fuses and so far so good. Dome light comes on when door is open - and is fully lit not partially. Headlights turn on and gauge light turns on.

Thanks everyone!

Now onto turn signal switch - blinkers don’t work - ha!

 

[Ron H]

Well, ya know it could be the flasher or its connection...if you get lights on with no winking...easy and cheap start and hopefully the fix.

 

[snakeoil24]

Fuse blocks using the old glass fuses had issues forcsure from day one but dont forget to look at the headlight switch also a big issue