CE Panel Service

[glmoore001]

1985 928 Euro.

I am attempting my first CE Panel refresh and have a few questions.

First problem is the fuse socket for HVAC BLOWER fuse has been getting pretty hot.
It is a white socket so it is easy to see the burntness. Where most of the sockets have visible copper, this one is black inside.

What do I do in this situation? Is that part replaceable, if so, where to get my hands on one?

Second.. are the blade fuses just standard fuses? Nothing special about them? I plan to replace them all.

Should I clean the fuse connectors with something other than DeOxit, should I try sanding the insides with emery cloth? The majority of the fuses came out blackish instead of a silver color.

Third... #12 relay socket Reverse Light has a jumper in it. I have been looking at tutorials on the subject, and a picture one guy had in his tutorial was the same way. Leave it as is, or put in a relay?

I am sure there will be more questions. Thank you in advance. Gary Moore

[harborman]

I pulled all fuses and relays out, cleaned with Deoxit or CRC contact cleaner. I replaced all the common relays with new ones. Your contacts that are burnt is probably caused by bad connections. You can use a 600 grit sand paper to polish contacts if necessary. Then spray cleaner on them.

[Danglerb]

Make sure the wiring diagram you have is for the Euro model. I'm reluctant to use abrasives on the contacts as some are I think plated. Deoxit and CRC combined with insert and remove should clean the contact.

If the CE panel has lots of burned contacts I would consider buying a better condition used panel. The sockets as far as I can tell are replaceable modules, but maybe not for the faint of heart on electrical issues.

I haven't done it yet, but I bought replacement fuses that have a LED built in that lights up when the fuse blows.

[glmoore0001]

Thanks for the response.

I am using Deoxit on all the terminals and have a tube of Stabilant 22 coming.

I only have one bad looking fuse terminal #17 (HVAC Blower) and an empty socket 5 fuses away #22. I am going to cut the wire to the spade terminal, gently try to remove it, lengthen it with the correct gauge wire solder and shrink wrap. I will then plug it into the spare socket and label the old socket with a "go to 22" note.

I have discarded all of the old fuses and bought new Littlefuse Fuses in the correct amperage. Some of those old fuses were black with corrosion. The left hand headlight fuse came apart when I pulled it. Any tips on cleaning the fuse sockets without spreading them?

I used Alans' 85 CE Panel layout and compared to my panel before pulling anything and it is identical.

I bought all new 53 relays from Roger, is it ok just to replace the 53 relays with all new ones? I bought the car from Stan (Mr Merlin)and he told me to replace them one at a time, but I don't think he was counting on me doing a Panel Refresh when I did it. Can a new 53 relay be counted upon to be in working order first time?

Should I spray the rear terminals with Deoxit? I have no plans to try to remove any of those connectors.

How long after using the Deoxit can I power up the panel. Should I let it sit overnight?

Thanks. Gary

[harborman]

You can use the Deoxit and put voltage on it immediately, no need to wait over night. The stuff evaporates pretty quickly and this is all low voltage. Yep I had no problem putting in all new type 53 relays. Replacing the CE Panel would be a last resort in my book.

[curtisr]

I'm also in the process of a rebuild on my '82. In my case, I bought a used panel and began by soaking it for a few days in CLR. Shiny! Ultimately I will replace the bullet fuses with the bladed variety.

[Danglerb]

A couple people have done the CLR, I never would and have no idea how anyone thinks the fluid that gets wicked up inside the wire insulation ever gets rinsed out or diluted.