HELPPPPPPP please!
I have a Fiat Bravo SX 1.6 (R) reg 1998.
I have had a dodgy connection behind my steering wheel for a while
now, something I have managed to bodge but now it really does need a
proper fix as it is getting worse and dangerous!
It started with a similar problem to that of the indicator stalk
problem, where the lights and heater cut out. I changed thsi a while
ago and when doing so realised that it wasnt the unit that was a
problem but one of the set of wires that plugs into it. The left hand
black longish plug with about 5 wires in it has lost its 2 plastic
clips which hold it in place, so the connection has become dodgy. I
managed to solve this (or so i thought) using gaffa tape.. however the
connection must of still been not quiet right as heat has now made the
black plug melt slightly around one of the contacts and so the
connection is now even worse! Gaff tape will no long solve my problem!
I knew I would have to fix it properly at some point and that point
seems to of come!
My question is, where can i get hold of one of these connection
blocks, I spoke to my mate who works at a fiat parts place and he
doesnt seem to think they sell that as a spare part, I have considered
scrap yardsm but wouldnt know what to call the part properly to
describe it!
Any healp/advice would be really really helpful.. i is quite scary to
be driving at night on the motorway when your lights and fan go off
and my wife and 2 year old also use the car to get to work!!
Thanks
Tom
Chris Whelan - 19 Oct 2007 09:32 GMT
> HELPPPPPPP please!
>
> I have a Fiat Bravo SX 1.6 (R) reg 1998.
Hmm, so you do need help :-)
> I have had a dodgy connection behind my steering wheel for a while
> now, something I have managed to bodge but now it really does need a
> proper fix as it is getting worse and dangerous!
Many car connectors are available as repair kits; you get the connector
pre-fitted with short lengths of wire to connect to the original wiring.
This connection must be done properly. The motor trade tend to prefer
soldered connections covered with heat shrink sleeving. There is no reason
why a properly crimped connection cannot be used however.
I would first check if a repair connector is available from a dealer.
If not, and you don't want to use a scrap yard, try emailing someone
breaking one for parts on eBay.
Chris

Signature
Remove prejudice to reply.
Dave Plowman (News) - 19 Oct 2007 10:05 GMT
> My question is, where can i get hold of one of these connection
> blocks, I spoke to my mate who works at a fiat parts place and he
> doesnt seem to think they sell that as a spare part, I have considered
> scrap yardsm but wouldnt know what to call the part properly to
> describe it!
> Any healp/advice would be really really helpful.. i is quite scary to
> be driving at night on the motorway when your lights and fan go off
> and my wife and 2 year old also use the car to get to work!!
There's no need to stick with the same type of plug/socket arramgment
except that if you ever need to replace the plug in part you'll need to
replace that plug too.
These people sell a variety of multi-pole plugs and sockets.
<http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/connectors/multiconnectors.php>
But like all car connectors you really need the correct crimp tool to fit
them. Although some use solder.

Signature
*Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? *
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
Thomarse - 19 Oct 2007 10:27 GMT
> In article <1192782175.272578.184...@e34g2000pro.googlegroups.com>,
>
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
> Dave Plowman d...@davenoise.co.uk London SW
> To e-mail, change noise into sound.
Unfortunately in this case i need to get teh exact same connector, as
the plug (which is broken) plugs into a fixed part of the car, so the
socket cant be changed.
I am looking on ebay from breakers, so fingers crossed!!!
Dave Plowman (News) - 19 Oct 2007 10:42 GMT
> > In article <1192782175.272578.184...@e34g2000pro.googlegroups.com>,
> >
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> > But like all car connectors you really need the correct crimp tool to
> > fit them. Although some use solder.
> Unfortunately in this case i need to get teh exact same connector, as
> the plug (which is broken) plugs into a fixed part of the car, so the
> socket cant be changed.
So you're certain the problem is with the plug and not the socket? If only
life was so easy. An overheating plug will usually damage the socket too.
The above people do bulkhead etc mounting connectors in the list I gave
you.
> I am looking on ebay from breakers, so fingers crossed!!!

Signature
*Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
Thomarse - 19 Oct 2007 11:05 GMT
> In article <1192786042.365894.270...@q5g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
>
[quoted text clipped - 38 lines]
>
> - Show quoted text -
Its a fiat - nothing is straigh forward!... The indicator stalk unit
is one BIG unit, which has a hold in the middle.. you haveto take teh
steering wheel sna dairbag off to then slide the entir unit off over
the steering shaft,
It is inton this unit that the plug connects and so i need the same
plug type. If theunit is damaged then I am ok, as i have a spare one
of those! (previous problems)
I will follow the breaker route and if that fails, I will permanantly
solder the wires on and heatshrink the connections I think...
Thanks for all the advice though!
moray - 19 Oct 2007 11:32 GMT
>> In article <1192782175.272578.184...@e34g2000pro.googlegroups.com>,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
>
> I am looking on ebay from breakers, so fingers crossed!!!
Transit stalks used to suffer from the melting problem.
We used to cut the connector off, and crimp on some small female blades to
suit the blades on the stalk connector.
Wasn't pretty, but it done the job, and we never had any come back.
Getting the right plug new is unlikely, so only practical option is from a
scrap yard.
Mark W - 19 Oct 2007 18:32 GMT
> seems to of come!
seems to 'have'
> and my wife and 2 year old also use the car to get to work!!
Your 2 year old should not be driving.
Paul Edwards - 19 Oct 2007 18:55 GMT
>> seems to of come!
>
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Your 2 year old should not be driving.
I want to know how he gets his 2 year old to work.
My kids are lazy buggers and wont do anything.
PC Paul - 19 Oct 2007 21:30 GMT
> "Mark W" <s@o> wrote in message
>>> and my wife and 2 year old also use the car to get to work!!
>> Your 2 year old should not be driving.
> I want to know how he gets his 2 year old to work.
In the car. Duh.