Fuse panel issue, can I install an inline fuse?

[Marshj]

Due to mice residing in my ‘86 for 10+ years while the van slept, I have an issue with the Rt ( passenger ) headlight low beam.

The pinchers on the fuse holder on fuse number 22 on the panel have corroded and won’t pinch fully tight and make contact. I have tried a number of things, including last weekend building up solder on the end of a 10A fuse and installing it. This actually worked and I had the right low beam light for about a week but it failed.

I understand I may need to buy a new fuse panel, but at $125 used I’m looking for other solutions.

Can I snip the intake wires on the back end and solder an icline 10A fuse ? Or would this cause some caos?

I attempted to read the Bentley on the wiring diagram, page 97.98 but don’t understand electrical diagrams.

Any advise on a solution? If I were able to make an in-line fuse work, what wires do I need to bring together on that?

[nemobuscaptain]

If I were going to do it I get one of those generic fuse blocks. Of course you could use an inline fuse however. I put it close to the fuse box.
_________________
Ohio Valley Tribe, Full Moon Bus Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/294422277314227/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/FullMoonBusClub

RIP Bob Hoover https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=427791
Hoover Sermons: https://www.vwsage.com/images/vwsage/Bob%20Hoovers%20Sermons.pdf

[crazyvwvanman]

An inline fuse is ok if done carefully.
You can find used fuse/relay panels for $40-$60. New ones for $125. Millions of VW cars used the same one. Many VW cars built in Germany about 84-92. Part numbers are stamped on the back. Must have the D at the end.

Part number 171941813D

and/or 171941821D


Here the one in this ad with all the relays in it looks right, $35 shipped.
Have seller check the part number to be sure.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2068033


Mark

[MarkWard]

I agree with Mark on this. If you are not familiar with reading the wiring diagrams, you could make a mistake. The headlights are on the X circuit, which means power is interrupted during cranking, so you'd need to tie into that circuit for power to do it right and there are other high amp consumers that also use the X circuit.

Swapping out the fusebox for a known good one would make the most sense. Wiring remains unmolested and matches the diagrams for you and the next owner. If you are organized, with the battery disconnected there is enough room to swap the connectors etc into the replacement fusebox one plug at a time.
_________________
☮️

[rmcd]

YouTube has several vids explaining what the Bentley doesn’t! Saved my life. A quick search will yield many helpful vids.

Second the recommendation that you get a used block or use an aux panel. I’m sure there is plenty more corrosion in there.
_________________
VW LT40 build. Like a Vanagon but 30% larger in every direction and 40% slower even in metric.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749359&highlight=