How to protect the alternator from water?

[Cavalier342]

No, fusebox was fine, thanks for the thought though.

I didn't see any exposed copper when I checked the loom however I may look again deeper this time.

Car is standard height. It never ever gave problems before when fording massive puddles, only that time. Which I suspect as has been suggested, the ignition switch. But something definitely triggered it, so I will try and cover up as many live connections as I can in the bay, to help it stay dry. And about other cars behind me, ye screw them, I'm slowing right down next time.

[carlos_canter]

Car is standard height. It never ever gave problems before when fording massive puddles, only that time. Which I suspect as has been suggested, the ignition switch. But something definitely triggered it, so I will try and cover up as many live connections as I can in the bay, to help it stay dry. And about other cars behind me, ye screw them, I'm slowing right down next time.

Just dont ford massive puddles, its easier and simple, its a cavalier, not a frontera.

[Cavalier342]

I'll try not to, but can't really say I never will.... so I'd rather be prepared somewhat.

[Cavalier342]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-IGNI ... 563161d41a


Any ideas if that's the right ignition switch for my auto? As I've not had mine out and looked at it yet.

Thanks.

[Gaz]

probably but just check it

[175bhpcavydan]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-IGNI ... 563161d41a


Any ideas if that's the right ignition switch for my auto? As I've not had mine out and looked at it yet.

Thanks.

Facelift are different on my freg gli its got a part number on the back.I know as mine burnt out .going down motorway lol

[Cavalier342]

Right, time for some pics I think. Just to clarify, this was the only loom that had sticky outer insulation, and while looking at it, it wasn't the ignition switch loom, it was the indicator stalk one.










The wiring itself doesn't look damaged, just the insulation that was sticky. Other looms around there look fine.




Here's the ignition switch, I don't know if both types are round ish or not.....

[planetc]

Do you mean the foam stuff was sticky, or the plastic insulation around the wiring itself? I still think the smoke was from the ignition switch. As far as I recall they are all roundish.

[Cavalier342]

The insulation around the wires. If you look at the first pic, that grey insulation stuff. I picked some of it off to see if any wires have been exposed, but I cannot see any copper at all.

[planetc]

The grey stuff has a sticky coating on the inside, and over the years falls apart leaving more of the sticky stuff accessible. This isn't related to your smoke.

[Cavalier342]

Oh right ok. So the likely culprit was the ignition switch?

[planetc]

Oh right ok. So the likely culprit was the ignition switch?

absolutely

[Cavalier342]

Thanks.

[Cavalier342]

Fitted a new ignition switch today.

Obviously it didn't take me that long to get one, I kept it in the boot just in case for ages. But the car was showing some weird gremlins the last few days, ignition related, so I decided to get it over and done with.

No pics, but took the old one apart, they're only clipped together by 3 clips, there's like a small rounded triangular metal plate in there, that had burnt grease all over it and the contacts were pretty crispy.

I've cleaned it up, and I'll keep it as a spare for now until I get more if needed. Handy to have spares.

Hopefully it shouldn't give any more problems. Cheers for the advice anyhow.