30 amp fuse issues with A/C 355 and 348?

Bill2 · Jun 8, 2006

I saw this post somewhere. Does this apply to the 355 too?

fana355france said:

The answer is not from me I copy it for you.

The 348 Series cars have a known weak link in the electrical portion of the AC System that will eventually render the system inoperable and can lead to expensive component failure if left unaddressed.

In the front trunk, under the felt cover on the right hand side lies the main Electrical Harness and relay center for the 348's climate control system. Along with these wires and relays is the main power feed for the system. This main + feed wire is a Brown 12 gauge wire with a 30amp push in (blade type) fuse wired in-line.

The Factory Fuse and Fuse Holder can melt due to overheating. This problem has been traced to excessive amperage draw for the amount of contact surface area provided by the blades of the fuse and fuse holder. As the fan motors age they tend to draw far more amperage than the factory allowed for across this circuit. Left unattended this problem leads to complete AC System failure. However, the solution to this problem is inexpensive and easy.

Widely availible stereo fuse holders and fuses of the correct amperage (30 amps) but with 400% more contact area for electricity flow and plated in gold to prevent corrosion can be easily substituted for the factoy fuse arrangement providing a high quality permanent repair.

Start by unplugging the harness from the relay and unwrapping to give adequate slack to the fuse holder. Then cut the old fuse holder from the wire. Next strip about 3/8's of an inch of insulation from each wire. Now carefully apply solder to both stripped wire ends. Carefully position the new fuse holder within reach of the two soldered wire ends and make a small mounting hole in a nice location. After insuring the wires will reach and the location chosen is secure, insert wire ends into new fuse holder couplings and tighten securely. Mount fuse holder and install new Gold Plated 30 amp fuse. Finished.

To date we have never experienced a failure of this repair and upgrade to the system and it is now SOP to check and advise any new clients that have not previously had this repair done. Total time for repair approx. 1 hour and about $25.00 in parts.
Click to expand...

Bill2 · Jun 8, 2006

Here's more info about the problem:

My 1995 355 had a frozen compressor so I bought a bunch of new parts from Ricambi and now the wiring is not cooperating.

Here are the parts that were replaced:
A/C compressor
Expansion Valve
Dehydrator w/switch
New belts

Then the system was flushed a couple of times and charged.

When the STOP button is released it blows the 10 amp fuse in the trunk. There are two wires going to this fuse that must come from the STOP button and they get VERY HOT.

Also, it appears that the 2 wires from the dryer look melted together.

Does anyone have any ideas of what to check?

Thanks,

- Bill

No Doubt · Jun 8, 2006

My 348 has a 30 amp fuse for the A/C in the front trunk. I have no idea about your 10 amp fuse on your 355, though.

Conversations

Alerts

30 amp fuse issues with A/C 355 and 348?

Bill2 Formula Junior

Bill2 Formula Junior

No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

Share This Page