Zydeco Joe Posted June 22 Share Posted June 22 Problem with cigar lighter used to charge my EcoFlow. Got new lead from EcoFlow so that should be fine. Have managed to remove the under bonnet fuse box cover and can just about access the F15 15 amp blue fuse. Tried fingers and long nosed players but the fuse is refusing to come out. Frightened to pull any harder incase I brake it. We are in Austria so any help much appreciated. Would a squirt of WD40 type help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted June 22 Share Posted June 22 I would think pliers risk breaking the plastic so would not advise. Have you got an official fuse puller like this And finally, have you checked the fuse with a multimeter before attempting to pull them? They have small 'holes' next to the rating for the tips of a probe to contact the blades inside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted June 23 Share Posted June 23 This 2018 MHFun thread mentioned difficulties removing fuses from a Ducato X290's engine-compartment fuse-box. https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/removing-fuse-from-engine-bay-fuse-box-ducato-290.174856/ The fuse-box cover apparently does not carry a fuse extractor (yellow example in Keith's posting) but they are readily available. Testing a fuse in situ can be via a multimeter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w44aQ7dc_Lk and it's also possible to buy a small tool that combines a fuse-extractor and checker. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLfa7_FbZrU The MHFun thread advises "Fuses can corrode in the "jaws" of the holder. Try easing sideways (lengthways) slightly at both ends with a flat screwdriver to break the corrosion before pulling out." but if that fails to work in Joe's case and he is unable to check the fuse without removing it, or finds it hard to source a 'puller' in Austria, it might be wise to involve a garage rather than risk causing damage. (I can't see squirting a lubricant on to the fuse being effective if the fuse won't move at all, and I'd definitely steer clear of 'ordinary' WD-40.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John52 Posted June 23 Share Posted June 23 I think its one of those things on some vehicles that you have to brute force pull it apart, hope nothing breaks, and deal with it if it does. (Like the plastic clips holding the trim panels.) Hopefully it only breaks the fuse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted June 23 Share Posted June 23 Hi If it's just corrosion within ,yes WD40 Specialist contact cleaner (not ordinary WD 40) will help in the aid of removal if you squirt on some a few times and let soak before attempting removal There are quite a few good contact cleaners that will help in removal of of DC fuses that can be quite difficult to remove due to corrosion Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zydeco Joe Posted June 23 Author Share Posted June 23 Decided to leave till we get back home as not to do any damage not having the removal tool or correct wd40 . Can charge the Ecoflow via solar and on electric even if that means using campsites or like now on a aire with a paid for electric point. Had in the past used the cigar lighter socket when moving and had a problem before we came over onto Europe but wrongly thought it was the cable. On plugging the New lead in with the engine running for a few seconds it looks like it starts to charge the Ecoflow Delta 2 but then stops. So assumed it was the fuse but maybe not. Thanks all for help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted June 24 Share Posted June 24 13 hours ago, Zydeco Joe said: ...On plugging the New lead in with the engine running for a few seconds it looks like it starts to charge the Ecoflow Delta 2 but then stops. So assumed it was the fuse but maybe not... If the EcoFlow unit starts to charge for a few seconds when connected to the cigar lighter socket, then, logically, 12V power must be passing through the socket's fuse. (ie. the fuse is not 'blown') Doesn't your motorhome have a 'Power Socket' next to the cigar-lighter socket? If so, that should be separately 15A-fused (Fuse 14 in the engine-compartment fuse-box?) and you could try plugging the EcoFlow unit's cable into that socket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted June 24 Share Posted June 24 Hi It may not be blown but may be corroded and causing a voltage drop What icons are flashing when this occurs ? Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zydeco Joe Posted June 24 Author Share Posted June 24 9 hours ago, Derek Uzzell said: If the EcoFlow unit starts to charge for a few seconds when connected to the cigar lighter socket, then, logically, 12V power must be passing through the socket's fuse. (ie. the fuse is not 'blown') Doesn't your motorhome have a 'Power Socket' next to the cigar-lighter socket? If so, that should be separately 15A-fused (Fuse 14 in the engine-compartment fuse-box?) and you could try plugging the EcoFlow unit's cable into that socket. Yes a socket next to the cigarlighter but it's a USB and cannot charge the Ecoflow via that which is a shame as the cable is cigarlighter only. I start the engine before plugging in the cigarlighter cable and the Ecoflow readout kicks in but only for a few seconds getting up to about 40 amps not the 100 or so it did do before. Derek many thanks for you input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zydeco Joe Posted June 24 Author Share Posted June 24 6 hours ago, onecal said: Hi It may not be blown but may be corroded and causing a voltage drop What icons are flashing when this occurs ? Regards Hi, no icons flash or at least have not seen one. It's a shame this has happened as we are very happy with the use of the Ecoflow but miss the ability to charge on the move as even in Europe it's not possible to charge using the portable solar all the time. What could have caused fuse corrosion?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zydeco Joe Posted June 24 Author Share Posted June 24 On 22/06/2024 at 13:27, Keithl said: I would think pliers risk breaking the plastic so would not advise. Have you got an official fuse puller like this And finally, have you checked the fuse with a multimeter before attempting to pull them? They have small 'holes' next to the rating for the tips of a probe to contact the blades inside Hi Keith Not got both the yellow fuse puller or a multimeter,both could have helped I guess but thanks for input. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted June 24 Share Posted June 24 Hi Dampness from water ingress is one of the biggest enemy's , Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeF Posted June 27 Share Posted June 27 On 24/06/2024 at 17:14, Zydeco Joe said: few seconds getting up to about 40 amps not the 100 or so it did do before I hope you mean 4 amps and 10 amps. The Ecoflow , with the car charger connection , will limit its current draw to between 8 to 10 amps. Most 12v accessory sockets overheat with a continious high current draw, I suspect the plug is making poor connection to a damaged socket. A better solution would be to connect via a quality connector and suitable fuse to the vehicle or leisure battery. The ideal solution is the alternator charger, this provides a fast charge, https://uk.ecoflow.com/products/800w-alternator-charger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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