hot fuse issue

[grizzlys]

Hi just joined the forum, was hoping to get some advice on my old camper van, it's been running fine for years but noticed peculiar smell driving back one night. So checked all the switches this morning and noticed the main fuse is getting hot when I turn the headlamps on, have CHECKED all the light fittings, connections and bulbs all look fine any ideas please.

 

[Marvo]

Firstly I'd warn you not to upsize the fuse, it's likely to damage the wiring harness and possibly start a fire.

There's several possible causes of the fuse getting hot such as corrosion, bad wiring termination contact, extra things have been connected to that circuit causing an overload or maybe a wiring fault. To find the problem you're going to need a DC ammeter, do you have one?

 

[snowhead]

Clean the fuse and fuse holder where they contact each other.

Round fuses?

 

[grizzlys]

Firstly I'd warn you not to upsize the fuse, it's likely to damage the wiring harness and possibly start a fire.

There's several possible causes of the fuse getting hot such as corrosion, bad wiring termination contact, extra things have been connected to that circuit causing an overload or maybe a wiring fault. To find the problem you're going to need a DC ammeter, do you have one?

Thank you ..... yes wont upsize I will check all again today yes got an ammeter I know it is the lighting circuit just trying to find where.

 

[grizzlys]

Thank you snowhead yes old style round fuses

 

[grizzlys]

Thanks again, think I have found the culprit after going through every wire and connection in the light circuit looks to have been the main wire between the fuse and light switch.

 

[PEG]

Hi dude,i have a few customers with older VW's,and corrosion on the end caps of the glass type fuses,or more accurately,the caps and the holder tangs,can cause increased resistance and therefore heat.

This can cause smells,which are easily masked,by a van full of hipster surf folk :wink_smile: