#3 fuse blowing/temp. guage erratic

[dieseldubber]

So my car was sitting for three weeks in the rain at its winter home, when I drove it this weekend for the first time it had a couple problems which have never happened before. I suspect moisture is the cause somehow. The clock, interior light, cigarette lighter, and power locks are not working and the #3 fuse is blown. I replaced it but it blew again almost instantly( I think only after I tried the power locks). The other thing which worries me more is the temperature guage and warning light are erratic and either not woking at all or reading incorrectly and flashing periodically. I have not checked the Bentley yet but does anybody have some advice? Thanks.
It's a 1.6 TD, '85.

[DCC]

Why don't you get one of those moist absorbers (cheap household item) and place it under the fuse box? It should do the trick if the problem is just condensation.

Example: http://www.lawsonscleaning.co.uk/productinfo.php?pid=2542

[Doug]

Unfortunately that vintage had problems with the windshield leaking dripping down through the electrics. Get a tarp to cover at least the front half of the car. Then get some heat into the drivers compartment or at least a fan to start to dry things out. You may find that the drains in the box where the wiper motor lives are plugged with leaves or other debris. Once you get things dried out inspect the fuse block. It may be possible to clean up the corrosion or you might have to figure out the replacement. Check the relay panel as well pulling all the relays to see if corrosion is invading them. Sometimes the auto glass people can seal the glass with the new urethane based sealants if the corrosion has not eaten away at the base metal too significantly.

[dieseldubber]

ok I'll investigate next time im in Victoria then, I appreciate the advice on this one. This is pretty nerdy but, the fact the car was parked on a slope facing uphill probably helped the water run down in there didn't it?

[jtanguay]

yea my sisters car had a problem like that.  water dripping in.  i think my dad took some of that metal tape from home depot and fixed it.  i don't remember why it leaked, but i would assume the rain tray was cracked or something.  (since that is where i saw the tape...)  never leaked again  :wink: