Basic Ground Question

[profcucchi]

Is the ground the "flower petal-like" metal thing attached to the inside of the fender?

If it is, what's the best method to clean it?

I'm thinking:

1. Disconnect the battery
2. Pull the wires one at a time and clean
3. Clean the ground
4. Reconnect the battery

Presently, only the head lights and wipers aren't working. Is there a colour to the wires I can follow?

[Danno]

That's ONE of them, and probably most likely the culprit for your problems. Your procedure sounds fine.

[profcucchi]

That's ONE of them, and probably most likely the culprit for your problems. Your procedure sounds fine.

Thanks again, Danno!

I can either watch the Emmys or do the work.... tough one.

[4uall]

Drivers side ground pod by itzebtze, on Flickr


Passenger side ground pod by itzebtze, on Flickr

[profcucchi]

Drivers side ground pod by itzebtze, on Flickr


Passenger side ground pod by itzebtze, on Flickr

Awesome pics. I have to get a flickr account...

I may have missed the Emmys, but after cleaning each and every wire and "petal," I now have my headlights and wipers back.

Gentlemen, I thank you.

[profcucchi]

Quick question:

does it matter where I replace the wires to the ground? Can I just pull them all, clean like crazy with my Dremel, and put them back where I have space?

Truly, I am at the ground floor of Fiat electrical knowledge.

[joelbert2k]

It doesn't matter at all. That's just a single piece of metal.

[profcucchi]

It doesn't matter at all. That's just a single piece of metal.

Thanks! Next time I'll just pull all of them. The newbie in me was twisting my wrist in awkward directions to not hit anything.

[azruss]

because that is the ground point, hitting the body while cleaning will not produce a short. just dont hit anything hot. With the battery disconnected, the entire system is cold, so you can touch anything. there is also a ground cluster underneath the center of the dash. may have to pull the upper console to get to it. most of your instrument and interior ground dwell there.

[profcucchi]

because that is the ground point, hitting the body while cleaning will not produce a short. just dont hit anything hot. With the battery disconnected, the entire system is cold, so you can touch anything. there is also a ground cluster underneath the center of the dash. may have to pull the upper console to get to it. most of your instrument and interior ground dwell there.

Thanks! The knobs on the dash are what hold it back, right? I took them all out once, but it didn't budge. I think the distance odometer held it in. Does that one have to be unscrewed as well?

[giuliot60]

The interior ground cluster is under the dash, just to the right of the ignition.

I also added dielectric grease to every connection, not only grounds. I even took the pods off, cleaned, greased, and reinstalled. If the pods are not grounded well, then the ground to the pod isn't.

Also check this out: http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/el ... estore.htm

4uall - where did you get those connection covers/boots? Never seen them before.

[4uall]

wish I knew, they were there when I got Fiona. I would expect that any store would offer them, or maybe some heat wrap

[4uall]

here is some more ground info

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=16677

http://forum.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtop ... 45&start=0

[4uall]

now you have me thinking............................. based on my photos above how does one remove the ground pods Is that a rubber nut? just pull?

[giuliot60]

I just realized you have a different mounting system Jay. Mine are bolted in, you may have studs.