I have just taken my RX 7 out of the garage where it has been for a while.
The engine started up OK and seems to be running OK but the instrument panel and warning lights are not activated.
When I checked the fuse box ( the box covering was not in place, sadly ) I discovered that some of the fuses were very lightly covered in oil of a gooey consistency. On inspection the meter fuse is not blown and I think that is the one for the gauges. I gave it a clean but still no instrument panel working.

So four questions:-
1/ Where is that tiny drip of oil coming from ? it is gooey and seems to be dripping straight down onto the box. It seems to be a very small very infrequent drip and only affects a few fuses from the very top and back.
2/ If I just thoroughly clean the box and fuses in place to remove the oil should that work ? Could this leak have caused a short circuit in the box itself ? Obviously I will re-attach the cover afterwards to prevent any further leaks affecting the fuses.
3/ Will I have to remove or even replace the entire fuse box and if so how tricky is that ?
4/ Is there another reason entirely that the instrument panel and warning lights do not work ?

Any answers or suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks
Yemil

 

1. The leak is probably brake fluid. Most likely from the brake booster based on location but don't rule out the clutch master cylinder.
2. Each fuse should be removed after knowing were they all go. Then the fuse block cleaned with contact/electrics cleaner.
3. May not need to remove is cleaning is ok.
4. Who knows. Could very well be.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I really appreciate it.

I'm no mechanic but I'll check it out and clean up the fuse box. Fingers crossed.
Yemil

 

Best to take the drivers seat out, lay on your back and put you head under the dash to inspect. Have a good flashlight in hand. There isn't a lot of room so take it slow. You want to look everything over to find the leak. The booster and clutch master can also leak behind the carpet on the firewall. Peel back the carpet on the firewall and look for evidence. I'm just guessing about the booster and clutch master because there isn't anything else in that area.

Did someone install an aftermarket oil pressure gauge? If they did and it's a mechanical gauge, the tube could have a small hole.

 

Great suggestions thanks....
I'll gird up my loins and get at it.......
Maybe tomorrow......cramming into that tiny space at my age is going to be a challenge I may never recover from. The car may benefit, I'm not sure I will