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Fuse Box problems... think there's a design flaw here

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Old Jul 30, 2010 | 01:04 PM
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Default Fuse Box problems... think there's a design flaw here

Well,

The cigarette lighter and the 12v plug on the dash were not working. So, I checked the fuses, after finding out that Dodge puts the whole fuse box in the engine compartment.

So I checked and they are busted. Well that's all fine and dandy except for the handbolt thing that you tighten the cover back down with is plastic.

So, I had seen some dust across the fuses, because they are laid flat and in the engine compartment... which is not good because maybe I'm just used to Chevy's and them having the fuses inside the vehicle keeping dust,rain, and other stuff out of them unless your car floods.

I blew off a lot of dirt off the top of the fuses, so I figured it wasn't sealing good and and needed to be put down a little tigher. Now, I don't know why you would every make a bolt out of plastic on a vehicle -- especially when it goes into brass... but that sucker broke in half without me really getting it tight at all. So, now I think I'm going to have to stick a screw in with some JB Weld in and pull the thing out. I'm still debating on whether to get a bolt that will pull the cover down a little more with a rubber washer and a regular washer, or if I should even attempt to see how much the whole turning assembly is -- and pay money for another plastic bolt...

So words from someone who has been there and done that... DON'T OVERTIGHTEN YOUR FUSE BOX RELAY COVER... THE STINKING PLASTIC BOLT WILL SNAP!!!
 
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Old Jul 30, 2010 | 02:06 PM
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I washed my engine many many times and never gotten dust, dirt or water in there so it seems to be ok.

But you already know anything plastic cannot be torqued down real tight.....maybe you are just too strong ;-)
 
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Old Jul 30, 2010 | 03:08 PM
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Just how the have it laying horizontal instead of vertical just opens up the possibilities of something terrible happening.

I didn't know it was plastic until I tried to tighten it. It doesn't take much to snap it, either, probalby a 1/2 turn from snug and it's snapped.

In all actuallity I think the best idea is to use the clips they use on the air filter housing -- those both pull down and are made of metal...

Maybe I'm missing a gasket on the thing or something, too.
 
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Old Jul 30, 2010 | 05:26 PM
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no gaskets here...no issues here and i too wash my eng bay and open the fuse box when needed...and i never had any issues....
 
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