coloknight Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 Yup, it's the newbie again but I keep coming back because this forum is the place to find answers. Best on the net! Anyway, I have a 92 LS400 with intermittent (sp?) electrical problems. For example, the cigarette lighter isn't working but I was able to feel heat if I held the lighter down in the socket. Next thing I knew, the heater wasn't working...the car was warm but I wasn't getting any heat even when the climate control was set on auto with the highest temp. First thought was a fuse so I pulled the ones for the heater and the lighter. Fuses were fine so I put them back in and the heater was working again. I get the same thing with my TRAC OFF light...pull the fuse and put the same fuse back and the light goes off. Mentioned it to a mechanic and he said the fuse panel may be corroded but it was a passing conversation so I didn't get the chance to ask how to correct the problem. Because of the angle, I can't see if there's corrosion or not but want to eliminate it as a possibility. So, how do I clean the fuse panel without removing it? Is it easy to remove for cleaning keeping in mind that I'm an automotive nitwit? Along that line, should I...could I...replace it DIY? The car sat outside for several months before I purchased it and the previous owners didn't seem to make maintenance a priority so I was also wondering if I should just replace all the existing fuses with brand new ones. Do fuses get old? None of them show any sign of wear. Just had anther thought. The previous owner's kids put quarters in the cassette slot of the radio and shorted the radio out. As far as I know, the quarters are still in there somewhere. Could they be causing the electrical blips? Anyone know how to get the quarters out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFeldes Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 I would disconnect the battery and spray down the fuse panel with contac cleaner from Radio Shack...wait 3 hours and reconnect. Hope you did not get a floater..ie: flooded vehicle. Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloknight Posted April 30, 2008 Author Share Posted April 30, 2008 Thanks. Don't think it was a floater...came from Wisconsin...but it's a thought. I'll pick up the cleaner this weekend and give it a shot...no pun intended. :D Just to be sure....I do remove all the fuses first. Right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFeldes Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 As an afterthought, have your battery checked at Sears, Autozone or pepboys...I would try the spray first before pulling the fuses if it is not the battery. Get under there and check for corrosion. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coloknight Posted April 30, 2008 Author Share Posted April 30, 2008 Battery is brand new so I'll go ahead with the contact cleaner. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eatingupblacktop Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 If you're going to pull the panel, check the continuity readings on the backside connectors....you could have intermittent or poor connections because of cold solder joints as well as corrosion. Also check some of your fuses. Corrosion sometimes shows up as hot spots on the fuses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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