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Simple electrical problem Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Mon, 1 Jul 2002 17:24:59
In Reply to: windshield washer pump, '88 900s owner, Mon, 1 Jul 2002 10:18:38 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
It has to do with the difference between voltage and current.
The problem is that the contacts on the stalk switch have become pitted and dirty. That pitting creates a resistance in the switch contacts.
When you connect the motor, the resistance in the contacts is so much that no voltage flows through the contacts. If you measured the voltage at the pump with the pump STILL IN THE CIRCUIT, you'd see only a few volts.
When you disconnect the pump, there is no load. The meter requires almost zero current. So it really doesn't see the resistance in the switch, and you see 12 volts (or so).
When things get flaky, it helps to do circuit tests with the real load.
The solution is to get clean contacts into the stalk switch. You can do this two ways - a new switch, or clean the contacts on the present switch. To clean the contacts, you need to remove the switch and open it up. You can clean the contacts with some fine sandpaper. If you totally mess up the switch, then you end up at step one - replace the switch.
Some folks have had luck spraying contact cleaner into the switch. I haven't. Contact cleaner works for minor oxide buildups on contacts that carry very little current. The contacts on the switch are going to be pitted and blackened from the motor loads. It's the difference between cleaning up where a bug hit your fender (a little Windex will do) and where a cinderblock hit your fender.
Good luck!
posted by 140.157.4...
, Mon, 1 Jul 2002 17:24:59 <-- Viewing This Message
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