Avoiding FUSEBOX "China Syndrome" MELTDOWN: Pre-emptive fix

.....speachless! Who and why?!

 

For those who are intrested how I did repair my fusebox for Mondial QV : go to the Mondial Repair thread --- http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=209843

The weigh doe is'nt so much more, like Edwardo is telling.... and I'm realy happy with the results.

Guido

 

One question I still don't see addressed...perhaps I missed it...

If someone has a fusebox that is working, and there are no problems...

Then, will simply replacing the connectors at the fusepanel for the fuelpumps and other high drain circuits prevent problems? Swapping in a higher quality connector (deans, etc) would take very little time...is this worthwhile???

 

The Pantera and Mangusta use a fusebox almost, if not exactly, the same as most Ferraris, with the exact same problems. This guy has engineered a pretty nice solution, plus he makes some other pretty cool parts. I like his fan controller, and the relay box he makes for the DeTomaso ignition is a good solution to a frequent problem.

He also makes a neat window accelerator integrated with a multi-speed fan controller that could probably be adapeted to a Ferrari.

http://www.pantera-electronics.com/ato.html

No affiliation.

Jay
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I like that thread: NOW

1. go buy a Mondial T
2. go buy a 456 GT
3. start posting 'Repair' threads on #1 & #2
4. I'll then send you a list of other Ferraris I want

thanks
rik

 

This is how my repaired fusebox looks like NOW....no other relays or fuses hanging around or little boxes aside with some upgraded relays and wires.

My problems are solved. Everyone can to it his or my way...I just want to help others where ever possible. And the price I paid for the changes...about 100 $ in parts and wires included the second hand 412 fusebox. Time I spend on this project ...neglectable. Just for fun.

Guido
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Bo, the layers on the back of those fuseboxes ar'nt designed to mess around. When working on them, you have to take them off completly, separe the layers and find/repair the burned circuits. When carefull done, you can use the layers again. Otherwise its a disaster and you have to look for an other fusebox...if you can find one ! So I decided to swap all the layers by wires and it workes fine. Even that some F-chatters are sceptic...its a solid, good looking and cheaper solution then other solutions mentioned on this thread.

Guido

 

I am talking about merely changing the connectors on the wiring harness, which plugs into the fusebox... just the female connectors... Or, as someone else mentioned in another thread, use some copper paste to decrease resistance? Hell, you could solder the wire directly to the correct tab on the fusebox to really lower resistance, though thats not recommended for obvious reasons...

Would any of this prevent the future meltdown?

 

Giudo,
Wow...!
It really looks nice from the front.

Yes, labor is fun on a F Car.... or buy a toyota.

Ciao,
Edwardo

 

Problem 1 : Those female contacts have only minimum contact to its pin. Changing to an other type of female connector with more contact is possible, but you have to change the pins also, and the plastic multiconnector that hold those female contacts...impossible to find that one that fits.
Problem 2 : the tabs are directly soldered to the layers (wiring harness). Every time you take off or replace a connectors or relay, you're cracking the solderpoints. RE-soldering those points is a possibility, but the heat of your solder-iron can damage the plastic layers.
Problem 3 : the female connectors that are holding the relays have only 1 thiny pin. Not big enough to transmit the current without less resistance, so they cumulate heat.

What I also found : The main powerline (2 big red wires) are passing the layers also to feet most of the relays and feeding the electric circuit. But on the otherside 2 smaller red wires or coming out of the fusebox. Those 2 smaller wires could connected before entering the fusebox. They are directly connected inside....There are other wires who are entering the fusebox with 1 connector, and coming out with an other connecter, also directly connected inside the fusebox. Connections that could have bin evoided, by connecting those wires outside the fusebox.


Guido

 

No, as that is only one facet of the overall problem. The key to sucess is to resolve all of the problems once.

Last week we had in a Mondial that had the fusebox, connectors and plugs all replaced 5 years ago at the owners request. This time we fixed it our way as the new box was already melting as were the connectors. Its all good what ever way they get done...there are far too many of these cars that are just rat holed in garages because owners dont trust them to get back home on their own power.

Guido,

Dont misread my thoughts as skeptical.... you went through one dickens of a lot of work and it is impressive to say the least. One cant help but respect that attention to detail.

 

I was amazed........and I have seen some technical stuff!!

 

While troubleshooting a starter problem I noticed that a couple of relays appeared to be swapped around. Although my relay locations match other fuseboxes pictured here on F-Chat I'm a bit confused by their descriptions in the owners manual and wiring diagrams. The fusebox had been replaced back in 1999. Any idea what version is installed here? Also, I have a jumper in lieu of a relay in position T (Relay for light lifting motors - BOSCH 0332014113)

Visually:

Gold striped relays = BOSCH 0332204101 including Relay N
Non-marked relays = BOSCH 0332014113 including Relay P

But... as per the manual/wd

Relay N = Relay for flashing (BOSCH 0332014113)
Relay P = Relay for A/C operation (BOSCH 0332204101)

As a side... while t/s the starter all of my exterior lighting quit working, including the popup headlights. Turned out to be totally unrelated and oddly coincidental.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=139268898&postcount=4
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Are you sure that your reference is for your exact year/version Mondial 3.2? (Note that it shows relay T as being present, doesn't mention it as being "optional", and you don't have one). This description from the 3.2 Mondial wiring diagram 488/87 seems to match your physical reality (i.e., r = ...101 and s = ...113) and relay u (which you don't have) is replaced by a bridge (which you do have) for some versions:
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Thanks Steve, I guess that's my dilemma; 88 Middle Eastern Spec Mondial Coupe with an 88 U.S. owners manual (481/87).

Okay, looking again... I sourced the fusebox diagrams from a copy of the same owners manual, not the w/d.

I do have a copy of w/d 488/87 and will take a closer look.

 

HELP.

Anybody put a GT CarParts Mondial Fusebox in a Euro Mondial 2V or Euro Mondial QV
If you Serial Number is close to mine... # 37067
Please post Photos here of the colored wires

in the 11 wire "X" Connector,,
and the ?? wires in the "Y" connector below it.

(My Euro Mondial 8 car Federalized, and had the Fog Light circuit changed. Some color codes also different in my car, no 1.5 mm Grey/Black. )

Thanks,
Edwardo

 

I'm the guy with the '89 Mondial-t coupe that gave Dave and Nikki Helms fits way back at the beginning of this thread. Well with his fusebox fix (not patch) and his "gold package" connector kit my car runs like I never knew it could. My reference point for the performance of my car when I purchased it was my starting point and I had no idea how or if it could go higher (it did not run badly but there were problems). With these 2 pieces installed my reference point for performance just went up by a factor of 10 and THAT IS NO BULL****. The difference is nothing short of astonishing.

Due yourself a big favor gang, if you own an older Ferrari and Dave has the correct kits for your car then buy and install them. You will be amazed.

 

I'm the guy with the '89 Mondial-t coupe that gave Dave and Nikki Helms fits way back at the beginning of this thread. Well with his fusebox fix (not patch) and his "gold package" connector kit my car runs like I never knew it could. My reference point for the performance of my car when I purchased it was my starting point and I had no idea how or if it could go higher (it did not run badly but there were problems). With these 2 pieces installed my reference point for performance just went up by a factor of 10 and THAT IS NO BULL****. The difference is nothing short of astonishing.

Due yourself a big favor gang, if you own an older Ferrari and Dave has the correct kits for your car then buy and install them. You will be amazed.

 

Nice feeling isn't it?
Now you can turn EVERYTHING on all day long and not worry about a thing.

 

hi again all,
"Tman" : what is this "gold package" connector kit ? Where did you buy it ? Do You have any picture ? I am interested for my euro 87 3.2QV.

 

I too have the Dave Helms fuse box modification and the precious metal gold connector kit installed.. Its plain and simple.. The kits work. Fuse box modification puts the china syndrome to bed.. Precious metal kit.. well.. lets just say its the 1 2 punch.. This precious metal kit transformed my car.. These two upgrades/fix are absolutely essential. I have completed both installs on my 90TR and it is the best thing I could have ever done to my car.. GEt some reliable connections and all of a sudden your doing more driving with less worries or uncertainty.. Dave is a genius and he has helped me in big ways.. a true professional who takes pride in everything he does and makes available. The only problem I see is the Ferrari part suppliers getting annoyed that they are no longer selling all these sensors, relays, pumps, fans etc... anymore.. We are so anxious to replace flywheel sensor, relays, fuel pumps without knowing for sure that your connections leading to these components are solid.. You guys are shoveling sand against the tide.. We are not even scratching the surface on the precious metal kit discussion. Wait till you change the ecu terminals.. then you'll be cooking with bacon.. Thanks Dave.. Your work ethic, opinions, recommendations, and products are gold.. I would buy tie wraps from you if you said they were better than all the rest!!! lol....

Be Well

R

 

Go here, http://www.scuderiarampanteinnovations.com/
Scroll down for information on the Gold Connectors and Fuse Box mods.

 

ok i will look. but i forgot to say that i previously bought and installed the gtcar parts fusebox. is it compatible ? can i upgrade the gtcarparts fusebox with this package or is the gtcar box not THE SOLUTION ?

 

The fuse box is one problem - the engine management connectors are another, separate problem. If you have a GT Car parts fuse box, you should not have any further fuse box issues. The "Gold Connector" kits are designed to replace certain connectors that connect sensors to your engine management with upgraded connectors to provide a more reliable connection. Mainly the rev counters. Those are very sensative.

Me? I coated the contacts of the connectors to the two rev counters with DeOxit Shield, wrapped the stupid connectors in Saran Wrap, secured the Saran Wrap with wire ties, and NO MORE CELs!! Eventually I am going to rework this so that the splice down by the crank wheel is soldered, and install sealed waterproof connectors further back up the line. The stock location has two issues: one, it is subject to exposure that can contaminate the sensative connections. Two, it is exposed to physical damage from road debris. Ask me how I know!!

 

On occasion Dave Helms will start with a GT Carparts circuit board and do his upgrades/modifications on that because the customer's circuit board is damaged beyond repair.

If the W/X/Y/Z (white)connectors at the bottom of the circuit board are still the OEM design there will eventually be problems.

Mine was in good shape and had new white connectors when I bought my TR and I STILL had failures internal to the board itself.

In a nutshell, the stock OEM design is flawed. It will fail eventually. Period!

GT Carparts may have upgraded parts of the circuit board to counter this. Call Dave and he will explain.