Technical Checking dashboard fuses behind glove box

[Remy]

Hello everyone. I'm new to these forums and looking for a bit of help.

I recently got the "Check running lights" start to flash at me, so checked all the external lights. Both left and right tail lights (labeled "C" in fig. 22 of the user manual's "IN AN EMERGENCY" section) aren't working. I guess by coincidence, either both bulbs blew simultaneously, or a fuse has blown, or I'm misreading the situation (there does not seem to be a fuse for tail lights. That can't be right).

I went to check all the fuses, but took me ages to find the dashboard fuse box, as the diagram in the user manual (fig. 39) doesn't seem to relate to anything in my car, other than the lower part of the dashboard to the right of my steering wheel, to which there are no visible fastening screws (I have a UK right hand drive). Only by searching on here did I realise they were behind the glove box. This is where I am stuck. Problems:

1) I've removed the clip to the bottom left of the glovebox (inside) by clumsily forcing it out with a screwdriver but the right hand side hinge doesn't come off. No mention on how to do this in the manual. Is this unnecessary? Should I yank it out and risk breaking it (£60 for a new one)?

2) And even if I could get the thing off, how do I get the fuses out to check them? They are well and truly stuck in there. I tried removing those in the engine compartment as a test, but my fingers couldn't. I tried to use long nose pliers which worked until I accidentally dropped fuse F51 for the car speakers into an inaccessible void, as I tried to replace it. I now have no sound until I buy a replacement. Is there a special tool required and isn't this included with the car? Videojug suggest a pair of tweezers but that's a laugh (tried and failed).

I never imagined such a simple task would be so difficult. Please help!



PS. I know, after all this, that it may simply be the bulbs, but I'd still like to know how to check my fuses (even if I still don't know which one it is).

 

[Andy Monty]

fastest way of checking fuses is with one of these

http://www.anticsonline.co.uk/1244_1_1016413.html


if you look at the top of the fuse you will see 2 little holes/ dimples with a bit of metal exposed

clip the croc clip on to a bit of bare metal plenty of bolts in that area or the door check strap bolt or catch then touch the probe to each dimple, if a fuse has gone one side will light up and the other side wont


i use needle nose pliers to get them in or out obviously better quality pliers make all the difference (bet you come back and say your were using knippex) ;-)


no need to remove the entire glove box

 

[Remy]

Thanks Andy,

I've just got back from Halford with a new fuse to replace the lost one, but just as I parked my car in my driveway, the lost fuse dislodged itself from it's hiding place and appeared in the passenger footwell, laughing at me. Somehow, I think I've upset my car. It is filthy, maybe I'll give it a wash.

1) I'd still like to know how to get behind the glove box though,
2) and whether there is a fuse that might explain the malfunctioning of my lights, other than the blown bulb theory.

 

[Andy Monty]

You need to remove the pin at the bottom of the glove box to remove it using a screw driver from memory


As for the bulbs out take one out and multi meter it you can also test for voltage at the bulb holder

 

[Remy]

Thanks Monty,

It's been explained to me that it's not all that unusual to have two bulbs go at the same time as they are usually the same age and when one goes the others get overloaded. Had I known this I wouldn't have been so suspicious of the fuses, but at least I now know how to check them. You never know when that might come in handy in future.

With regards to removing the glove box, I can remove the pin in the left hand corner, but what holds the right hand corner in? Should I just give it a good tug? I'm always scared of breaking things. And incidentally, what's that white container like things behind the glovebox? I seem the remember the mechanic at the garage I had it serviced at, blaming it for the bad smells coming through my air vents when driving slow/stationary.

 

[Andy Monty]

Is the bad smell oil/ petrol type smell by any chance?

 

[Remy]

Yep.

I've had a service recently, so the air filter should be new. My only guess, as others have suggested in other parts of the forum is that one of the pipes is cracked, letting in awful engine smells. Strange how they disappear at speed. Perhaps the incoming wind is enough to disperse them before they have a chance to infiltrate my air circulation system.

Just checked this morning, the smells disappear when I recirculate the cabin air.
Interesting.

I heard that some garages replace pipes for free? Can this be true?

 

[Andy Monty]

If your car is still under warranty yes is it a 1.2 or 1.4 by any chance?


might as well have a look yourself you can temporally patch it up with some tape to stop it dribbling oil down the back of the engine






If its out of warranty a breather hose is £14 ish

http://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Details&ProdID=4637&sku=11727

(you can get 10% off using the members offers discount code if you become a donated member (just click on the word ----> donate )


and 2 jublie clips

https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto-guides/262269-breather-hose-replacement-1-2-1-4-8v.html


(alternatively take the hose off and go to your local motor factors and get some oil resistant hose cut off a roll for a few quid)

 

[Remy]

Thanks Andy, I'll take a closer look.
It is a 1.4, but no longer under warranty. That's life.

 

[Andy Monty]

Thanks Andy, I'll take a closer look.
It is a 1.4, but no longer under warranty. That's life.

Doubt you will get it done for free then still no harm in a bit of cheek and asking especially if you have a full Fiat Service history :devil: they can always say no....


it is a 15 min job to change just go steady tightening the jublie clip to the plastic spigot on the air box itself