As the Tipo is not very waterproof... the electrics can suffer. Minor
failures like the electric windows, central locking and sunroof are caused
by corrosion on the electrical contacts, which can be removed with emery
paper. A good spray of WD40 will help them stay working longer ;-)
More serious and expensive electrical failures are caused by dead leaves
or other types of blockages to the drainage channels under the bonnet
causing water draining from the windscreen to be diverted down the heater
air intake and shorting out the system. Ours collected three inches of
water in the passenger footwell and it took weeks to fully dry the
undercarpet sound insulation material, through which the cables to the
rear lights and wiper pass. (Ah haaa! I hear you say ;-) Don't ask how
long it took me to find that out!) Scrape them out, check the rubber
drainage spouts are seated correctly and use clear silicon to ensure that
water goes where it is supposed to.
If you can be bothered to take some preventative maintainance measures, I
recommend it. If you can't, it will be a nightmare.
ato_zee@hotmail.com - 12 May 2004 19:31 GMT
> Minor
> failures like the electric windows, central locking and sunroof are caused
> by corrosion on the electrical contacts, which can be removed with emery
> paper. A good spray of WD40 will help them stay working longer ;-)
WD40 seems to dry out too quickly, I use a smear of Vaseline, also
on the battery posts.