Spontaneous multisystem electrical problem

[Gerry]

93 L300 running fine for a few hours, everything working as expected. I stop, turn off engine, refuel, take a 5 min break and get back in. Engine starts but now some of the electrical systems are not working

Not working:

* head lights
* brake lights
* dashboard gauge lighting (green background lighting)
* stereo
* cigarette lighters
* hazard lights
* fog lights
* horn
* clock

Working

* digital thermometer
* turn signals
* reverse lights
* heat and fans
* wipers
* power locks
* dashboard indicator lights
* starter motor / engine

So I checked the fuse panels and no fuses are blown. I've recently had a new stereo installed but it had been working for the last few days and the last 600 km.

The only thing I can think of is that ever since I've had the vehicle that the dashboard lighting for the heat/air in the front didn't always come on. I had to fiddle with settings and then it would light up. Seems like it is a loose connection rather than short but I'm stumped as to where I should start looking.

Any insight is welcome. I'm in the Kootenays now and need to get back to Vancouver.

[Rising Sun Auto Import]

Check your fusible link ( main fuse ) on the battery.

Steven

[Gerry]

Thanks Steven, you were spot on. Definitely related to the fusible link (main fuse?). I wasn't sure how to unplug it to look if it was blown but during the inspection of wiggling it around all systems restored.

Felt like rock star mechanic at that point that just by laying hands on the engine I can bring it back to life :)

I'll bring it in to get it looked at but at least I know what the issue is and how to fix it if it happens again.

My first Delica fix!

[Gerry]

A bit premature in claiming my first Delica fix :( The problem is with the connector in the LIGHT slot in the plastic plug above the battery. Wiggling it worked for a bit but it appears that it is about to get burned through as the wire is charred and the insulation is cracking and a bit exposed.

I had a stereo installed recently by Best Buy, the guy that did it mentioned he has installed them in many Delica's so I'm going to assume he knew what he was doing. Can anybody think of why this might be happening?

Plastic plug


Wire connector


Also, can somebody tell me what the proper names are for these components so I can look them up in the technical manuals? Are these wires actually fuses?

I need to drive back to Vancouver from the Kootenays (about 700 KM). Would rebuilding the connector with some 12 guage wire and leaving the stereo off be incredibly or just slightly stupid. As you can tell I'm a bit of noob when it comes to mechanics and especially with the Delica but I'm keen to learn so any help is really welcome.

[Gerry]

To answer one of my questions, yes, the burnt out wire is a fusible link. More information here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusible_link