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lanceb · Alfa Arna Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 1

Hi there I'm after a 33 boxer 1990 car manual... I have problems with the fan/dash lights they seem to be interconnected and when the fan is turned to the on position it stops and the dash lights go out(well are dull). a swift knee on the side of the centre console sometimes gets things moving again but next bump all are out again. Also if dash lights are out/dim if i rotate the key to stop engine the dash light light up bright.

Anyone else had this problem and can suggest a solution. thanks heaps. Lance (Australia)

Chris Notsis · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 7:24 am Post subject: Dodgy electrics

You obviously have the Limited edition that came with the special feature called 'Interactive Electrics'.

If the knee-activated switch you have been using is effective, then you have localised the problem to poor earthing and / or supply to that circuit. The best thing would be to remove as much of the dash / console area to increase access. Check continuity both with switches on and off, and in different combinations. IF you can get a continuity or short circuit tester, this can make things more accurate. Check the fuses as well, looking for tight connections, with no corrosion on the terminals.

Usually, when things light up or go out in the way you describe, the problem is earth or high resistance (12vdc) related rather than a short. Alfas use a seemingly random approach to wiring, in that many circuits are shared. This is done to control loads and reduce the need for more relays (= cost-cutting). Problems arise when load distibution is affected by dropped earths and high impedances due to corrosion.

Good luck.
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Chris Notsis

gritsop · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 1:59 pm Post subject:

Hi,

I also had once the problem that the heater fan was not working. When turning on the lights the heater panel lights were on; then when engaging the fan the lights of the panel were turned off and no fan rotating.

The solution was to trace the connector of the heater harness and finally see that the earth cable had so much debris on it that had become double Rolling Eyes

With the help of sandpaper the connector became like new and the problem disappeared.

However when the motor is running I feel the connector heated probably of the high current it requires (Anyone has experienced this???)

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
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