I Need a Gremlin Removal Service

Well, as you know, I finally got the car back. Shift bushings replaced and shift forks adjusted. Goes into 1st and REV without a hitch. They also re-built the throttle cable (original was a little frayed). I also had them replace the valve cover gaskets when they replaced the camshaft belts and tensioners. I've been driving it locally to get-togethers and cars & coffees. Well, yesterday I decided to drive it to work which is 22 miles from where I live. Had a blast! Got to work. No issues. After work, I get in and drive home (another 22 miles). Had another blast! No issues. Well, when I pull in to the garage and switch off the ignition, the fuel pump continued running. That has to be related to one or more of the fuel pump relays??? I also noticed that some of the idiot lights came on and the Tach and Speedo needles began moving eratically. I switch the ignition back on, and then the fuel pump relay (or relays) begin buzzing. I pull 'em out and re-insert and they still buzz. I finally said to heck with it and just disconnected the battery. Went out this morning, re-connected the battery and the fuel pump started running, but no relay buzzing. Started the car and it ran perfectly. Switched it off, removed the key, and the fuel pump continued to run. No relay buzzing, though. Yesterday, as I drove home, here in S. Carolina, it was hotter than hell. The whole bonnet area was hot (cause the radiator lives in there, too). I felt the relays and they were very warm to the touch. The other times I drove the car, I don't think I drove it as many miles, plus, I don't think it ever got as hot as it did yesterday as I was coming home. I know about the poor wiring systems in the 308/328/Mondials. I can't spend $1,600.00 on a replacement Relay/Fuse panel. I think the gremlins have gotten back into the electrical system. Any clues? Is there a gremlin removal service or gremlin repelant spray. Anyone else experience this?

 

Mark, did this ever happen before? Did you wash the car and get the front bonnet wet by chance?

All things point to one culprit, yes the inevitable fusebox problem. Examine it in detail and look for burn marks, unusual coloring or loose wiring/relays. Also, after exhausting all efforts, I would give a call to the Big Guns "Dave Helms" for his advice. I'm sure he has heard just about all possible symptoms of the 308/Mondial electrical gremlins. Dave was gracious enough to help me in time of need and came thru, he's a great honest guy!

Contact info:
Scuderia Rampante Ferrari
Dave Helms, Owner
1780 55th St., Unit B5
Boulder, CO 80301
303-938-9000
Fax: 303-938-9006

Best

 

For an easy test, just use a different ...113 and ...101 relay for the two fuel pump related relays (you don't even need to buy them, just borrow them temporarily from, for example, the headlight function).

 

Remove wire from that crap fuse box.
Put a fuse holder on your battery.
Run a wire, get a cool switch.. Drill a hole in your console plate.
Then, back feed the whole system with 12v by keeping the fuel pump plugged into the factory harness.

Or Get a GT car parts box.
I did,,
But, I like my fuel pump switch.


Edwardo

 

Yes this has happened before, but then quit. I think at the time I had a low battery. Once the battery was fully charged, the problem seemed to go away. I hadn't washed it or got any water in there. I think this weekend, I'm gonna remove the fuse panel again and see if I see anything. I'll also try the relay switch. Actually, in the begining, I think some of the relays were in the wrong place. I've since sorted that out and up until the drive home yesterday, all was well.

 

This has very much piced my interest. If you get a chance, would you post a picture of yours? Also, if you could elaborate a little more.

 

Relay swap is cheap, and replacement relays are relatively cheap. But hot relays, or relays that stick are from too much current draw, either from the appliance, and/or from the old wiring.

Dave Helms fusebox is probably worth the money and Dave is terrific to work with. It will also give you piece of mind on one less (set of) thing(s) to go wrong.

But I also had my car rewired by adding a bunch of additional grounds. That removed about 95% of the other electrical gremlins. The only thing left (I think) is a fluctuating tach at idle, and I am told that is an issue with the tach. I can live with that for a while.

Regards,
Jerry
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I'm only 850 miles away in Louisiana. Let's meet in the middle & have a Mondial electrical gremlin exorcism! I'm sure I can find some voodoo expert in south La.

 

I'm sure there's some of the same around the mountains here in SC.