Learn from my mistake!

[autobonrun]

When measuring the voltage across a fuse, measure from the top screw connection and from the bottom screw connection. Or better yet, on the hot side, where the voltage is supplied, check from the top of the fuse to ground. This will verify the wires are not corroded within the terminal connectors and verify continuity from the supply spade connector to the fuse.

My AC hasn't worked for the last couple weeks and I thought I traced the problem to my console switches. After tearing the console apart, I did not have 12v to the switches. I went back to where I thought I'd already checked; at the relay and fuse. There was indeed no voltage to the relay. I rechecked the fuse. Top (supply) screw terminal to ground was 12volts. Bottom screw terminal to ground 3 volts! The fuse checks out good at 0 ohms.

In my rush, I probably put the voltmeter on the bottom of the fuse. This does not test continuity to the screw terminal. Bottom line, the fuse was not making a solid connection to the bottom spade and the spade was slightly corroded. After squeezing in the bottom spade and polishing off the corrosion, I have 12v and the AC is working. Now I've got to put my console back together.

I should have known better.

[Doug Zielke]

The crummy, antiquated fuse holders strike *yet* again!
Before you attribute mysterious electrical failures to components, spend a few hours cleaning your fuse blocks.