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Auto Electronics/Mitsubishi Magna lights and indicators not working

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Expert: Antonio Ibarra Jr. - 12/9/2010


Question
After many days raining, my 1996 Mitsubishi Magna has no headlights, indicators or hazards.
I checked the fuse panel and there was moisture all over the panel.
I started the car, the lights flickered on and off few times, then stopped working, same as the indicators. I dismantled the whole fuse panel, drying and cleaning all contacts for the fuses and relays, but still not working. There are 3 relays in that fuse panel, would it have done damage somewhere else? or just replace the relays and see?

Answer
Hi Dion,

Firstly, any water in the fuse block like you have described is cause for concern.  The fuse block is a very sensitive part of the vehicle, and is not forgiving when it comes to getting wet or exposed to any liquids.  I recommend drying the entire block and its components thoroughly and checking all connections for damage.  Replace ALL fuses and Relays with new ones even if they appear to be undamaged.  If problems persist, i recommend taking your vehicle to a certified automotive electrician to have the vehicle electrical system checked for damage that you may not be seeing, as there could be internal damage to the ECM (Computer) or something else in the vehicle that you would not be able to detect. Also when you put in the new fuses and relays, be sure to give them a light coating of dielectric grease, this will help protect them in the future, the grease can be found at any auto part store.  Also you need to find out how and why the fuse block got wet to begin with, to ensure that it does not occur again.

Good luck, please let me know if i can be of further assistance and let me know how you make out.

Thank You

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Antonio Ibarra Jr.

Expertise

I am here to answer any questions regarding Automotive Electrical. Specifically automotive aftermarket products and their application, installation, diagnosis and repair. I am also able to assist with ANY and ALL qeustions relating to EMERGENCY VEHICLES, to include POLICE, FIRE and EMS Vehicles, their components, order options, equipment, maintenance, upfitting of aftermarket equipment and more.

Experience

I have 10 Years of automotive & aftermarket industry experience, both working as a technician and now running my own business, selling, servicing, repairing and installing automotive aftermarket equipment into personal vehicles as well as emergency vehicles. I am a licensed Master Automotive Electrical Technician (ASE Certified), I am also Certified by the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission as an Emergency Vehicle Master Technician. I am Certified by Motorola as a Master two-way radio repair technician for low band, high band, VHF, UHF, HAM radios and CB radios. I am a Certified Master Emergency Vehicle equipment and component service and repair technician. I am a Certified Master computer components and interfacing/networking service and repair technician. Licensed Master fabrication specialist. Whelen accredited and certified Master Emergency Vehicle Systems Repair Technician

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ASE, EVTCC, GSDCC, Installernet, and others.

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Education/Credentials
ASE Certified, EVTCC Certified, EVOCC Certified, CEVO II Police, Fire and EMS Certified, DOT certified, NTSB Certified, FEMA Certified, NYS DMV Certified automotive Inspector and Master Emergency Vehicle Inspector. I am the owner of one of THREE businesses in the Tri-state area licensed by the DOT and NYS DMV to certify Emergency Vehicles for street use. I am Motorola Certified, Whelen Certified, Dell Certified, Panasonic, Gateway, and Mobile Computing Systems Certified, Kenwood Certified and Yeasau Certified. I have 10 Years Industry Specific Experience. I also Run my own business in the automotive aftermarket industry.

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Multiple Commercial, Municipal and private Customers. Multiple Governmental Customers and Contracts in multiple states.

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