S4 fuse panel repair...??
11-12-2012, 02:55 PM
#1
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S4 fuse panel repair...??
88 S4 Auto
I need to badly replace the last block of 5 fuse holders in my S4.
The Fuel Pump fuse is getting very hot, and there is light arcing in there that I am now seeing.
Cars being parked.
Is this an easy to swap module?
I need to badly replace the last block of 5 fuse holders in my S4.
The Fuel Pump fuse is getting very hot, and there is light arcing in there that I am now seeing.
Cars being parked.
Is this an easy to swap module?
11-12-2012, 04:11 PM
#2
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It is modular but is not really designed to be swapped out - It can be as long as you have access to a replacement part in good condition.
Also the replacement parts all look the same but may not be - there are different internal configurations of the blocks by year that are not obvious externally. So be careful.
Alan
Also the replacement parts all look the same but may not be - there are different internal configurations of the blocks by year that are not obvious externally. So be careful.
Alan
11-12-2012, 07:52 PM
#4
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You will most likely need to remove the entire panel from the car to get the offending block out without damage. Be sure to label the wires connected to the back of the block so you can re-install them correctly. Once you have it out you can open it to see how the internal buss bars are configured. If you send me some photos via PM I'll see if I can supply replacement parts from the spare panel I have.
Mike
Mike
11-12-2012, 10:19 PM
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Oh - you do for sure need to remove the whole panel from the car to do this.
The blocks have tabs on the sides that need to be released - you can see them in the other linked thread. You can test electrically for the ganging config to avoid having to open them up (unless they mismatch) which will involve 2 more tabs per side. You may end up needing to pull apart multiple blocks to be able to get one configured as you need. All these blocks are numbered (not everyone sees that).
You really do need to check the configuration - something wrongly configured will really screw up your car.
Alan
The blocks have tabs on the sides that need to be released - you can see them in the other linked thread. You can test electrically for the ganging config to avoid having to open them up (unless they mismatch) which will involve 2 more tabs per side. You may end up needing to pull apart multiple blocks to be able to get one configured as you need. All these blocks are numbered (not everyone sees that).
You really do need to check the configuration - something wrongly configured will really screw up your car.
Alan
11-13-2012, 01:05 AM
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Jeff
That Sucks! You should be able to unscrew the CE pannel and tip it foward to see What the heck is going on back there.
PITA though. Akward to get at.
That Sucks! You should be able to unscrew the CE pannel and tip it foward to see What the heck is going on back there.
PITA though. Akward to get at.
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11-13-2012, 10:39 AM
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Alan
Last edited by Alan; 11-13-2012 at 02:40 PM.
11-13-2012, 02:15 PM
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I thought you could remove the top 2 screws lift the CE pannel upwards to disengage the plastic dowels on the botton of the pannel fron their holding brackets and tip the CE pannel foward to inspect for burnt wires/faults etc.
MY 90 must be different.
See pictures
11-13-2012, 02:32 PM
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On the screws you are quite correct (I don't know what I was thinking... probably about the panel cover changes not the panel... eeek!).
My point on the fuses - unlike the older panels you really can't access or even see the fuse contacts until you get the CE panel fuse blocks out and then dissassembe them. Since the locking tabs on these parts are usually brittle with age - you don't want to try to do that in situ... just too risky.
I have 3 panels as parts units and many of the fuse block cover tabs just snapped with the gentlest removal method. I have some special tools to release the tabs but it only works about 80% of the time without damage. BTW I recommend warming the panel/blocks before disassembly for this reason - it does seem to help.
Removing the panel can be a bit daunting - but its basically impossible to connect it up wrongly if you match the plug color correctly. Most won't even fit into the wrong sockets with mismatched colors...
Mine has been out about 10-12 times not a big deal (eventually!).
Alan
My point on the fuses - unlike the older panels you really can't access or even see the fuse contacts until you get the CE panel fuse blocks out and then dissassembe them. Since the locking tabs on these parts are usually brittle with age - you don't want to try to do that in situ... just too risky.
I have 3 panels as parts units and many of the fuse block cover tabs just snapped with the gentlest removal method. I have some special tools to release the tabs but it only works about 80% of the time without damage. BTW I recommend warming the panel/blocks before disassembly for this reason - it does seem to help.
Removing the panel can be a bit daunting - but its basically impossible to connect it up wrongly if you match the plug color correctly. Most won't even fit into the wrong sockets with mismatched colors...
Mine has been out about 10-12 times not a big deal (eventually!).
Alan