P38 Engine fuse box

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anorakmark

anorakmark

Active Member
Posts
329
Location
Kent
Hi all.
Been reading threads on here about BECM failure and ways to avoid this.
One thread says about the engine compartment fuse box that it is prone to corrosion from microscopic splashes from the engine hoses?
Is their a solution to preserving the fuse box as a lot of threads are saying the fuse box should be replaced every 5 years.
Would it be possible to service the fuse box like spraying each fuse terminal terminal with WD40 or would this cause damage? I hear there are so many electrical faults caused by the BECM unit and often the BECM failure is caused by a poor fuse box connection, is this correct.
Looking forward to your assistance everybody.
Regards.
Mark (P38 2.5 DSE 1998 model
 
The problem is that the fuse box pcb is one board folded and pin soldered all down two edges so there is no easy way to get at the soldered joints to inspect them. Part of the problem lies with relays 6 and 7 which can burn due to excessive load drawn by the blend motors /blowers. As an example I had no problems with my 98 4.6 until about 2 weeks ago took the fuse box out opened up the pcb and it was burnt to buggery and there were 20 odd soldered joints cracked - I repaired it and used it for a few days whilst waiting for a new one from the stealer for 150 quid small price to pay considering it is so vital - dont go spraying it with anything least of all wd 40. Somebody with more knowledge than me will probably be along to give better advice
 
had the common fault on my 97 dse, both relays 6 and 7 were burning out, had a look on the fuse board and it was in my eyes beyond repair. I know its a pain in the back side(and the wallet!!) but i would not even bother about a second hand one or repairing them.

Buy a brand new fuse box and you know not to bother looking there when the electrical germins come, and we all know they will come at some point!
 
you decided to replace the fusebox because you saw it had burn marks after you unfolded it or before?
how easy was it unfold it and resolder together again? how long did it take what tools do you need?

sandyt said:
The problem is that the fuse box pcb is one board folded and pin soldered all down two edges so there is no easy way to get at the soldered joints to inspect them. Part of the problem lies with relays 6 and 7 which can burn due to excessive load drawn by the blend motors /blowers. As an example I had no problems with my 98 4.6 until about 2 weeks ago took the fuse box out opened up the pcb and it was burnt to buggery and there were 20 odd soldered joints cracked - I repaired it and used it for a few days whilst waiting for a new one from the stealer for 150 quid small price to pay considering it is so vital - dont go spraying it with anything least of all wd 40. Somebody with more knowledge than me will probably be along to give better advice
Click to expand...
 
After I removed the fuse box I dismantled it from the plastic covers had a look at the pcb still closed and it was badly burned I decided to open it to get at the solder joints I cut all the connecting joints down both sides once it was open there were loads of cracked and dry joints which had caused the burning and arcing . I resoldered them all and then folded the board back I removed all the pins and replaced with copper wire resoldered - job done took about 4 hrs from memory but I am crap with a soldering iron - I used the repaired box for a couple of days whilst I waited for a new one (thought it was worth 150 quid) and I have the repaired one as a spare which I will carry with me when I go to France. So a doable job nothing too difficult - the better you are with a soldering iron the easier it is
 
I agree with your logic- you saw burn and scorch marks on the outside of your board, therefore it makes sense to open it up. My board is totally virgin no smell no marks of any kind- all the pins and blades are still very shiney.
No corossion on the connectoer side either.


sandyt said:
After I removed the fuse box I dismantled it from the plastic covers had a look at the pcb still closed and it was badly burned I decided to open it to get at the solder joints I cut all the connecting joints down both sides once it was open there were loads of cracked and dry joints which had caused the burning and arcing . I resoldered them all and then folded the board back I removed all the pins and replaced with copper wire resoldered - job done took about 4 hrs from memory but I am crap with a soldering iron - I used the repaired box for a couple of days whilst I waited for a new one (thought it was worth 150 quid) and I have the repaired one as a spare which I will carry with me when I go to France. So a doable job nothing too difficult - the better you are with a soldering iron the easier it is
Click to expand...
 
anorakmark said:
Hi all.
Been reading threads on here about BECM failure and ways to avoid this.
One thread says about the engine compartment fuse box that it is prone to corrosion from microscopic splashes from the engine hoses?
Is their a solution to preserving the fuse box as a lot of threads are saying the fuse box should be replaced every 5 years.
Would it be possible to service the fuse box like spraying each fuse terminal terminal with WD40 or would this cause damage? I hear there are so many electrical faults caused by the BECM unit and often the BECM failure is caused by a poor fuse box connection, is this correct.
Looking forward to your assistance everybody.
Regards.
Mark (P38 2.5 DSE 1998 model
Click to expand...
make sure yout pollen filters are changed often as when they get mucky its makes the fans work harder to pull air through them therefore pulling more current heating up the wireing,relays,fusebox etc:)
 
Brilliant information guys, thank you. I had a look on the net Jaguar | Land Rover spare parts at British Parts UK
They are doing brand new fuse boxes for £131.00? Is this a good price.#I'm going to invest in a new one as I think this is the best long term option, in the mean time I will take DATATEK'S advice and clean the terminals with contact cleaner.

Would somebody be able to comfirm that there are 2 pollen filters on the P38 one on the left side & one on the right?????
 
Last edited:
I had a look on the net Jaguar | Land Rover spare parts at British Parts UK
They are doing brand new fuse boxes for £131.00? Is this a good price.#
Click to expand...

That price doesn't include VAT. Also they charge different prices depending on the year and engine you've got (that's the right price for your 98 diesel).

You can save a fiver by going to Island 4x4 who charge £149.99 inc VAT regardless of which particular fusebox you need. Didn't bother to check the difference in postage prices though. I'm sure Craddocks, Paddocks and all the other warehouses are similar prices.

So, in short and based on that, yes it's a pretty competitive price, but I reckon it's worth a bit more surfing. And asking Land Rover - can't remember what it what, but I was pleasantly surprised by a couple of their prices for bits recently. Other Land Rover prices can be shocking though..!!

Cheers,

Malcolm
 
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