How to save $330 - and a lot of stress

[JustCruisn]

Well my car broke down on Tuesday due to the battery top fuse box burning out.
It cost me a tow and no car for a day.
Auto electric bill was $330.
Fuse Box: $117
Fuses and cables: $35
Charge Battery: $10
Labour: $135

All of this could have been avoided easily.
I want others to benefit from my bad experience.

The bolts in the fuse holder on the battery had come a bit loose. This caused arcing and voltage drops which generated a lot of heat and melted the fuse holder and caused the GEN line to burn out. Which stopped the car dead in its tracks, as the battery was no longer getting a charge.
If the bolts were checked and tight this would not have happened.

Here is a pic of the damage


The new part


OEM part number: 1J0937617D

Web sources for the fuse box.

http://www.worldimpex.com/parts/genuine-part-fuse-box_118987.html

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_IV--1.8T/Engine/Electrical/ES248855/

So make some time and check your bolts are tight and avoid this unpleasant situation.
Lift off the battery cover, pop open the fuse box cover and tighten with a 10mm socket. 6nm ought to be enough. (that is the spec for the bolt on the battery terminal)

[dainese]

thanks, will check.

[gavs]

Will go do right now!!

Electrical fires in cars are one thing I am really petrified about because they can start with no notice at all, and like you said, just a couple of loose bolts and who knows what can happen!