355 A/C problems with wiring

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.
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355 A/C problems with wiring

Bill2 Formula Junior

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