My search didn't return any results so I'm posting the issue with questions. The cargo area power point in my '04 Ex quit working all of a sudden. I was using a compressor with an inverter to air up the tires before our camping trip. I was running the compressor for an extended period and shut it off to let it rest. When I tried to turn it on again the power point was dead. I checked the fuses and the inverter fuse and all appeared good. I was able turn on the inverter using the other power points. How do I check the 12v outlet with a meter? One probe dead center on the rear and one on the side? Any other thoughts? Easy to remove rear panel to get to the back of the plug?

Thanks.

 

I wouldnt expect any help in this regard from this forum. I have a similar problem with the rear power point that I am trying to fix. Posted a thread with no help.

 

The fuse for the rear unit is number 5 in the fuse box. 20 amp, hot at all times.. pin number 2 on the back of the fuse box. What size fuse did you have in there?

The wire from the fuse to the rear power point is orange.

There is one inline connector, number c339, just above the passenger side fenderwell in front of the rear heater. It is under the panel.

The ground is a shared line with the parking aid module, high speed blower motor relay, blend door actuator, rear a/c control module, and mode door acutator, all in the rear behind the same panel

check to make sure the ground is ok, and then start checking the line.

You may have a bad fuse that looks good.

I have run into them at times.

one other thing is to check to make sure the wires have not burned inside the fuse box.

Seems you probably burned something.

 

Nice info there Housedad, reps given.

People here are very helpful Justin, you just have to be a little patient.

I always wondered myself what exactly you could run off the rear power point but was always afraid that running something like a small compressor off it would fry the wires. Please let us know if that is what happened to you guys with problems.

 

It is easy to fry something when drawing a load that is at or above the fuse rating.

Fuses don't blow instantaneously. They take a period of time to heat up. The more current, the faster the heat and the faster the melt.

Take the 20 amp mini fuse in this case.

The Littlefuse data sheet shows that the fuse will pass the rated 20 amps (240 watts) for an indefinate time.

http://www.littelfuse.com/data/en/Da...e-MINI-32V.pdf


However, the fuse can be operated at 135% of rating, or 27 amps, 324 watts for any where between 75 seconds and 10 MINUTES before it blows.

Now, considering that the designers are notorious (including the Excursion) for using minimalist wiring techniques, the wire is more than likely sized to pass a maximum of 20 amps at a voltage drop of 5 to 10%, higher than that, and the insulation starts breaking down.

This presents a dillema when overdriving the circuiit. The wire heats up, (made worse by the high voltage drop they allow) the connections may have resistance to them adding heat, and then something eventually softens or melts. This lead to connections no longer in contact after cooldown when the plastic shrinks. Also, the connectors themselves may only have a 20 amp rating, which leads to terminal arcing and burn.

All this can happen before the fuse blows.

so, no, it is not a good idea to operate a heavy load on those power points. Keep it down to below the 20 amps, though, and you should be fine. (no guarantee of that at the full 20, as the heat slowly builds in the wire.) Read the label on the appliance you are attaching.

 

Mine has been dead for years! I'm going to feel like and idiot if it all it was, is a fuse, cause I never bother to check them!!

 

Patience you say? Interesting considering you posted no help and no one posted help to my problem until I said something to someone else's post from his original post 18 DAYS EARLIER! Don't ever lecture me again on being patient!

 

chill out bro

 

Funny how someone signed up on this forum for free and expects that he's entitled to a solution to his problem. I would be grateful that someone here offered a solution even though it took some time. I don't expect every member on this forum to have an answer for me.

 

After that tantrum, I doubt anyone will ever help him with anything.

 

Anti-reps given.

 

I think someone needs a nap

 

Wow, did not think I was "lecturing" you ... Guess you are having a bad week?

 

Wow!! I'm here to get FREE!!! help on something that mechanics charge from $65-$110 an hour. I'm always thankful for the help that I get from these forums! That guy needs to take a valium and chill out.

 

Fuse #5 in the fender well mounted fuse block put the Power Point on the back of the console back in service. Still nothing from the one mounted in the box next to the 3rd seat. Could not see any other blown fuses in either fuse block.

HELP. Starting an 11 hour drive with 2 grand kids. They each have to have their own DVD player!!

Thanks in advance. And I can be patient.