Like a Lucas Switch, Sorta On (topic) Sorta Off (topic)
05-20-2002 | 11:59 AM
#1
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From: boca raton, florida
Like a Lucas Switch, Sorta On (topic) Sorta Off (topic)
Lucas strikes again!!!
While I was scanning to see how our V-8 cousins faired in the Carolinas this weekend the TV news reported that...
Over a quarter million dollars worth of damage was done when a fellow's house burned before firemen got the blaze under control. A seat switch in the owner's Rolls Royce (in the garage, of course) shorted, over-heated... The rest, as they say, is history.
Off...On...Flicker Flicker Flicker Flicker...
Wouldn't happen to our good German engineering, would it?
Jim <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />
While I was scanning to see how our V-8 cousins faired in the Carolinas this weekend the TV news reported that...
Over a quarter million dollars worth of damage was done when a fellow's house burned before firemen got the blaze under control. A seat switch in the owner's Rolls Royce (in the garage, of course) shorted, over-heated... The rest, as they say, is history.
Off...On...Flicker Flicker Flicker Flicker...
Wouldn't happen to our good German engineering, would it?
Jim <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />
05-20-2002 | 12:45 PM
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From: Portland, OR
[quote]Originally posted by Jim 944S:
<strong>Wouldn't happen to our good German engineering, would it?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The wiring in our cars is only rivaled by the British. I can't beleive how bad it is in an otherwise exceptional automobile (IMO, of course).
I currently have an inoperable 4-way adjustable power seat because of just such a short (will randomly adjust itself, so I pulled the fuse).
<strong>Wouldn't happen to our good German engineering, would it?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The wiring in our cars is only rivaled by the British. I can't beleive how bad it is in an otherwise exceptional automobile (IMO, of course).
I currently have an inoperable 4-way adjustable power seat because of just such a short (will randomly adjust itself, so I pulled the fuse).
05-20-2002 | 01:07 PM
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From: Tucson AZ
Tabor is absolutely correct. Despite some areas of Porsche design which are excellent, the wiring on every Porsche model I have worked on since the mid to late 70s is woefully inadequate. I have no idea the ultimate source for the switches and relays they use(no matter whose name is printed on them), but they are inferior to nearly anything used in domestic cars. The gauge of wiring is adequate for ambient temperatures, but resistance increases with increasing temperature and the current carrying capacity falls marginally below the design loads.
That being said, when I have come across a problem that is electric in nature, I generally advise the owner to upgrade the offending conductors with a gauge or two heavier, especially those under the hood.
None of these problems are insurmountable; just annoying. And, as a last comment, upgrade grounds, particularly straps between engine and battery, and those in the headlight area. Many gremlins go away with just this simple fix.
Good luck
Bob S.
That being said, when I have come across a problem that is electric in nature, I generally advise the owner to upgrade the offending conductors with a gauge or two heavier, especially those under the hood.
None of these problems are insurmountable; just annoying. And, as a last comment, upgrade grounds, particularly straps between engine and battery, and those in the headlight area. Many gremlins go away with just this simple fix.
Good luck
Bob S.