1976 Eldorado Convertible

[bskent13]

Hello
I have a 76 Eldorado Convertible that has an issue with the top not going down; horn doesn't work; and windows do not go down.

It looks to be fuse 7 from the manual - but I cannot find a part number or place to purchase the 40 AMP 12v block style circuit breaker that is in that position.

any advise and direction would be appreciated.

Bob

[1776-1976-Eldo]

I found a 40 amp breaker here. https://www.amazon.com/Type-Circuit-Breaker-Reset-CB140-40/dp/B0174F6RMI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pb_opt?ie=UTF8
If you have time to wait.

[1776-1976-Eldo]

Also found on ebay, but it wont let me post the link. Try a search there.

[Dave Shepherd]

Keep in mind if the circuit breaker is functioning  as designed, one of the involved circuits is overloading it.

[1776-1976-Eldo]

BINGO, I found another one that is in stock on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Type-Circuit-Breaker-replaces-CB145-40/dp/B0174FF9RC

Definitely check your circuits as suggested. Perhaps pull your breaker and check it.

[bskent13]

thank you very much for the reply.
can you please advise as to how to check the circuits?  what would be the best way to go about diagnosing the problem.

When I went to remove the circuit -it was so hot it burned my hand.

Bob

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Bob,

How long before you touched it did you stop operating the circuit?

The Circuit Breaker should be almost cold to touch soon after ceasing operating said circuit.   But, if it is actually breaking the circuit, check that it is the correct one for the task.

I was working on a car and the owner complained that the Circuit was stopping all the time.

Turned out that someone had installed a 40 AMP Breaker when it should have been a 140 AMP Breaker, according to the Shop Manual.   I installed a 150 AMP Breaker as I couldn't get a 140 AMP, and it never missed a beat.

Bruce.

[Dave Shepherd]

First you should have a fsm, then you can trace the involved circuits , operate one circuit at a time to determine which one is overloading  the breaker. If the breaker gets hot immediately,  then it gets more complicated unless you can find a shorted hot wire leading to one of components.

[bskent13]

hi Bruce,
I went to operate the convertible top and it did not function.  Upon checking the manual - it said that the circuit also controls the horn and power windows - and they also did not function.

When I went to take out the circuit - it was so hot it burned my fingers.

Bob