Fuse pull?

[jvandyke]

I want to take out my intrument cluster but have to pull the wires off the fuse block. What is the safest way? I know how brittle these boxes can be. I'm not sure how everything is supposed to disassemble and would rather ask stupid questions then make stupid mistakes.

[opelbits]

When disconnecting the four colored plugs, you squeeze the little tabs on the top and bottom and gently wiggle the plug. Sometimes it helps to push in on the plug a little to reduce the friction and free up the plug. Also, you may be able to get a couple of fingers up into the fuse box and give a little support to the fusebox side of the colored connectors, especially when you go to reconnect them.

And as always, disconnect the battery negative cable.

[jvandyke]

Thanks, I got 'em, just being overly cautious.

[opelbits]

We're talking about the fuse box....you can't be overly cautious.

[Lindsay]

Saturday brain-fart:
Wondering if a little application of dielectric grease around the perimeter of connector housings might help future disassembly. I would keep the grease directly away from the electrical contacts. I might try it next time I have a reason to pull connectors on fuse box.

Owner of broken GT fuse box that eventually requires replacement!

[jvandyke]

Why keep the grease away from the contacts? Isn't that what it's made for?
BTW the fused came out of my box fine. I'm trying really hard not to break things as I go about fixing them.

[namba209]

Originally Posted by Lindsay Owner of broken GT fuse box that eventually requires replacement!

Lindsay, send me a PM, I can give you an idea for a power panel replacement, easy to build,

[Lindsay]

Originally Posted by jvandyke Why keep the grease away from the contacts? Isn't that what it's made for? BTW the fused came out of my box fine. I'm trying really hard not to break things as I go about fixing them.

The primary purposes of dielectric grease is to keep out moisture and prevent corrosion. Prevention of corrosion keeps the metal-to-metal contact point in a connector conducting electricity.

If the grease conducted electricity, it would allow the tracking to ground of the power or signal being conducted.

I use very little dielectric grease in applications; don't glob it on the area. Used grease for 12v bulbs to ease removal and mininize corrosion.

[jvandyke]

I just started using grease more often, mostly on my latest Opel project, I've been greasing every connection I've messed with. Maybe I should stop that practice?

[Dan3]

my fuse box is hanging down in front of the pedles i know this cant be right but i cant see were it should be secured to or covered

Dan

[namba209]

Dan, there are two studs behind the instrument panel pointing down and there should be two holes in the fuse panel that go over the studs and it's held in place with a couple of washers and nuts. The front end of the panel slips into a lip and that holds it up at the front. Also there are some brown wires (grounds) for the entire instrument panel ground and headlight relay, that are also attached to the studs. HTH.

[baronbors]

One problem I had was the lip on my fuse panel was broken off so I replaced it with a plastic plaster board applicator. Just trimmed it to size and drilled a couple of holes and pop rivited it to the fuse box. Worked like a champ.

[Dan3]

thanks guys found them and my lip is broken aswell so ill be trying to fix that... ever seen the movie Money pit?


Dan