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SAAB V4 - ElectricalProblems
Electrics can be the Achilles heel of motoring reliability. More so, on cars with continental fuses, but this often just need a clean and replacing when the fitment comes loose or corrode.
On older vehicles rust can cause problems with the earthing of any electric surface particularly those in exposed areas and under the wings. Even if the car is re-sprayed the earth paid may need a base metal to ensure a good flow of electric. Terminals can also be a source of bad electric flow because of the two types of metal in use here. On one of the Saab's the electrics went haywire on the dashboard lighting up like a Christmas tree when the lights, brakes or indicators were used. After checking all the light wires and switches the fault was traced to the trailer socket which was the victim of a supermarket trolley bashing, when the trolley escaped its owner.
On the V4 the interior lights and boot light can cause problems. The boot light either turns out to be dirty or a just a loose connection, while the interior light can be a broken door switch, or the light unit spring has rusted not allowing the ball bearing in it to move. A squirt of Wd40 can some be a quick way to sort this out. Then again, electrical problems can also be caused by mischievous trolls!
Mark
Reprinted from the 2008/9 Winter Club Magazine
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