Trip Computer Failure

[dieselpower]

It lasted a day. Not working again. So this is the scenario - you take out the computer unplug it, plug it back in and it works. The following day or so. It doesn't work. Bloody annoying.

[dieselpower]

Failed again. Ugh

[davidr]

Have you tested the wiring loom for continuity? Maybe there's a break in a wire somewhere?

[dieselpower]

Haven't done that. Got no idea how to!

[poprivet]

There's not a lot of space behind the trip computer, I'm wondering if the cables have a problem where they turn a sharp corner. Maybe by pulling the unit out they straighten and connect again for a while?

[dieselpower]

The problem is it works for a day or two then darkness. No computer. Flippin' annoying!

[dieselpower]

OK chaps (and chapesses) I prized the sucker out again as it was dead and wiggled with the wires. Nothing. No life. Then I jiggled about with the cable that has an in line fuse and bingo it came to life. So, I opened the fuse holder and scraped away at the surfaces that made contact with the fuse. So far... so good.... will report back in a few days.

[dieselpower]

Following day. Dead again.... I despair.

[RichardSEL]

Following day. Dead again.... I despair.

Intermittent fuse. Change it.

Get (while you can) Maplins switch cleaner N62AN (not WD40 that's oil based) and spray all plugs / sockets open along route. You've then eliminated that portion of loom. I'm not familiar how your trip computer connects. If it's by printed circuit board connector then those printed connectors do oxidise. But don't scrape at them. Just the spray and a few repeated plug in / plug outs should clean those connectors sufficiently

Any help?

[dieselpower]

Much appreciated RichardSEL, will follow instructions and report back. Watch this space...

[dieselpower]

So, had a bit of time today so fiddled about again. Disconnected the inline fuse housing, replaced fuse with new. Re-connected. Computer worked. Came back to it 30 mins later.... It didn't work. I'd left the computer sitting on the front of the ski slope as I thought more fiddling may be required. Wiggled the fuse housing and the computer came on. So, I went to Halfords and got a new in-line fuse holder, fitted it using spade connectors and it still works...... time will tell.

[dieselpower]

Still the same. Leave it a day, doesn't work. Disconnect the fuse (new), reconnect, works. Absolute mystery. Would like to add that before doing the fuse disconnection I pulled and juggled and wiggled everything in sight. No joy. Then, just disconnected the fuse, reconnected and bingo. Worked.

[dieselpower]

I have a question: Can I replace my trip computer with one from a different model car with a different part number even though visually they look exactly the same? My computer is part no. DAC 2884 but I can't find one. I can easily get a DAC 3749 - but will it work?

[dieselpower]

Fitted DAC3749. Seems to work. Time good distance reading good. Lets see how long it stays functional!