earth straps

[abw280]

The earth straps on my car seem to be loosely wrapped round the chassis and rad mounting points as well as other areas of the car.

How many (roughly!) should there be and how should they be attached to the car.

I think this could be the explanation for my electrical gremlins (running out of other things to blame).

[danny hoffman]

You don't say which model but, if you have a digital volt meter you can measure either resistance or voltage drop between the various metal bits. Both should be virtually zero.

Danny

[jmorgan]

If a strap is going to/supposed to be connected, it needs bolting or something mechanicaly simular and greasing. Anything else introduces a HR (high resistance) circuit hence faults.
Are they supposed to be there or are they wrapped to keep them out of the way, other straps being used?
Also measuring accross one point, you might get a reading from another path on fibre glass cars where several devious means will be found to get an earth.

>> Edited by jmorgan on Wednesday 21st August 20:27

[abw280]

would a loose earth strap explain intermittent pod operation?

Other threads have only mentioned earth straps in relation to the FM radio reception!

Alan '87 280i

[jmorgan]

Not sure but there is a good article on wedge lights on wedgepages.

[wedg1e]

From memory, most of the earth wires in the loom that feeds the front lights etc. are collected together at a stud welded to the chassis, at L/H side of engine bay. It's under the airflow meter so easy to miss.
Whip off the nuts, clean up all the tags, chassis etc and bolt back together.
Otherwise, each of the pods has a multiplug that can give grief as water runs off the front of the car into the pod recesses and gets everywhere.

Ian