How do I remove electrical corrosion?

Emission · Emission's Garage

This is my front left blinker. As indicated by the red arrows, there is corrosion on the electrical contacts preventing the blinker from working (the parking light still illuminates). I've used a pencil eraser to get as much off as possible, but am unable to tackle the tight areas.

I know corrosion around the battery (acid?) comes off with baking soda. Will the same trick work here?

Is there something I can brush on and wipe off (or spray fresh water on)?

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

Did this just the other day -I just tightened up the female end (goes on the spade) with pliers to ensure no slop, and put some white silicone grease on the contacts - then plugged it and unplugged it a few times to etch the male end up. On the bulb sockets, gave it a shot of WD-40 followed by some pushing in and out with the finger, then more white silicone inside. Works fine now.

If you're anal, you can go get some electrical contact cleaner and squirt it in there, but doubt it'll do a much better job.

Superman · 12-08-2002, 10:37 PM

Vinegar works well on the corrosion. And a fine steel brush. Then alcohol and then silicon grease.

1974carrera · 1974carrera's Garage

I've had good success with Wurth Contact OL. It's actually an oxidation solvent designed for use on electrical connectors. Hope this helps.

Emission · Emission's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by 1974carrera
I've had good success with Wurth Contact OL.

Where do you find it?

DByers · 12-09-2002, 07:13 AM

Emission,
I use a product called CorrosionX. You can find it at local electrical shops. Used it on my Dads fishing boat and all my electrical projects. Works great. If you want to try it and cant find it let me know and I will send some to you. Also a good contact cleaner works. Try our host for Wurth, I think they have it.

1974carrera · 1974carrera's Garage

Emission,

I know our host has some Wurth products...don't know if they have Contact OL. If not, follow this link to reach a Wurth center http://www.wurthwest.com/en/ht_home/contact.html . Dan is right about CorrosionX being a good product...I think it might be more for protection than cleaning though.

pwd72s · 12-09-2002, 07:42 AM

Another stop...a tobacco shop. Pipe cleaners, the kind with stiff bristles, are great for getting contact cleaner into those tight spots...

Superman · 12-09-2002, 08:00 AM

Before you go ordering expensive chemicals, try vinegar. Try it on your pots and pans, too.

Emission · Emission's Garage

UPDATE:

I took it all apart, then used a small file (and vinegar) to clean/scrape off the corrosion. I paid special attention to the ground on the back of the reflector (real metal - you don't see that anymore!)

I put some dielectric grease on the connections and pushed everything back together.

It works!

Thanks to all for the advice.