Do you experience situations where your lights go off and on at intervals, your infotainment system ceases to work or your power windows open and close when they should not? If any of this sounds familiar, then the cause might not be the wiring or even the battery, it could be a bad aluminum fuse. Aluminum has one major disadvantage: it is a material that experiences oxidation; that is, it corrodes as time goes by. This corrosion causes the formation of poor electrical contacts which in turn leads to malfunctions, intermittent failures and even total failure of the circuits.
Whether you use your Sprinter van for business, traveling or other purposes, you need to do all you can to avoid the risks of electrical failure. This is why it is important to inspect, clean and replace your aluminum fuses to ensure that your van is in the right condition. Let’s discuss why these fuses fail and what the proper solution is.
Why Aluminum Fuses Fail in Sprinter Vans
- Corrosion Over Time: Unlike copper or brass, aluminum reacts poorly to moisture and air. With time, the rate of oxidation increases, and it forms a layer of corrosion that hinders the flow of electricity.
- Loose Connections: Aluminum is known to change its shape in response to changes in temperature. When the metal is heated and cooled, it becomes loose in its socket and only makes intermittent contact with the electrical circuit.
- Increased Resistance: A fuse that is loose or corroded creates higher electrical resistance; this resistance causes heat to be produced. This can lead to burned-out fuse holders, melted plastic or even electrical fire if not well dealt with.
How Sprinter Van Aluminum Fuse Repair is Done
- Inspecting the Fuse Box: The first thing to do in repairing aluminum fuses is to open the fuse box and check each fuse for oxidation, corrosion and any visible physical damage. Mechanics also inspect for electrical connections that are loose or frail since they may result in electrical breakdowns or system failures.
- Cleaning Corroded Fuses and Contacts: If the fuses are slightly corroded but still working, mechanics may clean them using an electrical contact cleaner and a piece of fine wire. This helps to eliminate oxidation and increase the electrical conductivity of the material. However, this is usually a temporary fix since aluminum fuses are likely to corrode again after some time.
- Replacing Faulty Aluminum Fuses: To provide a long-term solution, mechanics replace the corroded or failing aluminum fuses with copper or brass ones. These offer better electrical conductivity, do not oxidize easily and are more durable.
- Checking the Fuse Holders: The fuse holders themselves can also corrode, and this will result in poor contact even if a new fuse is inserted. Mechanics check and clean the fuse holders to ensure that they make proper connections with the new fuses. In extreme cases, the fuse holders may be affected by corrosion and may need replacing.
- Checking Electrical Circuitry: After carrying out the repair work, the mechanic switches on every electrical circuit that has been affected, for example, headlights, climate control, and any other electrical systems to ensure they are working correctly. The voltage may also be measured to ensure that power is going through the newly fitted fuses in the correct manner.
Can You Repair Aluminum Fuse Problems on Your Own?
Although replacing the fuses and reconnecting them might appear easy, most times identifying electrical issues in the Sprinter van is quite challenging. This is because there are many interdependent systems and a faulty fuse in one part can affect functions in another part. If you have no prior knowledge about automobile electrical systems, you could worsen the situation or even diagnose the wrong problem. That is why it is always advisable to take your Sprinter van to mechanics who focus on Mercedes electrical repairs.
Expert Sprinter Van Fuse Repairs in Gwinnett County
A defective aluminum fuse may 
not look like a critical problem, but it can cause problems with the entire electrical system of your van. If you are having issues such as flickering lights, power window issues or any other electrical failure that comes and goes, then you need the services of a professional.
At Sprinter Gurus in Norcross, GA, we carry out Mercedes Sprinter van fuse box inspection, aluminum fuse services, and electrical troubleshooting. We operate in Gwinnett County and its environs, making sure your vehicle is always in its best state. Do not allow a mere fuse problem to be the reason for more complicated electrical troubles. Contact us by phone or visit our workshop to schedule an appointment with our Sprinter van experts.