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Earth Fault?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by jeffgray, Oct 8, 2015.

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  1. jeffgray

    jeffgray Rookie

    Sep 29, 2015
    1
    #1 jeffgray, Oct 8, 2015
    I was wondering if anyone on here could help? My 348 has developed what I think is an earth fault; when the lights are turned on the fuel gauge now swings round to read full. Also, the blower for the aircon now does nothing (the aircon unit lights up and the various settings seem to alter, but now no air actually gets blown through the vents) and the electric windows have become temperamental. As all these issues have started happening at the same time I wondered whether they are connected, and whether the fuel gauge issue points to it being an earthing problem? I would be very grateful if anyone could offer any advice please. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Miltonian

    Miltonian F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2002
    5,966
    Milton, Wash.
    Full Name:
    Jeff B.
    #2 Miltonian, Oct 8, 2015
    As I recall, there is a "common" earthing point, with multiple wires attached, just behind each of the two outer dashboard vents. Carefully push in the tabs on the vents to release them from the dash, then pull out the vent and detach it from the hose. You should be able to see the earthing points once the vents are out. They're pretty substantial. I think I posted pictures severall years ago.

    You also might want to make sure that the negative battery cable is securely grounded to both the vehicle frame and the subframe. (Do you have a front battery or a rear battery?).

    Good luck, and welcome to the forum!
     
  3. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    #3 ///Mike, Oct 8, 2015
    There is a common ground point behind the left side vent and one under the fuse panel in the passenger floor board, IIRC. There are others as well, including at least one in the front trunk. Easiest way I've found to remove that vent is to loosen or remove the trim panel that surrounds it and then push the vent out from the rear.

    Have you checked your battery voltage and alternator output? There is a chance that these things are symptoms of low voltage.

    And don't rule out the possibility that you have multiple problems. The 348 electrical system is... um... temperamental, so there could be two or more problems at work here.

    Good luck and let us know what you find, in hopes it will help someone else in the future.
     

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