HEADLAMP RELAY FIRE RISK
Do you have a headlamp relay?
If so it may be prudent to fit a fuse to the main RED wire feed.
I have found by looking at a few relays that after 40+ years they break down, some thru rust, some thru wear
what happens is the metal 'Leaf' that is riveted to the relay internals, breaks off, lands on the main live feed and COULD short direct to earth.
Ford DID NOT fuse the supply, so what could happen is a direct BATTERY feed to earth, resulting at best in a melted wiring loom and WORST a fire.
Checked both relays i have salvaged from scrap cars, both rusted, one fell apart whilst i was filming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have this liveon camera. ill post a vid.
the second was about to fail.
DONT UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS POST
the relay is a potential fire hazard. ITS MAIN FEED is UNFUSED! very risky for your car.
FIT AN INLINE FUSE TO THE LIVE FEED AT BOTTOM OF RELAY.
MAKE A NICE HEAT SHRINK AND SOLDER JOIN.
If you cant, ask an auto-electrician.
I have many years experience with auto-electrics and I advise all Mk3 cortina owners to fuse the feed of this relay.
It can also happen if you start trying to add extra lamps without properly fitting the right cable runs and toggle relays.
If you overload or neglect this relay it will fail and could burn your car out.
I hope this post is of assistance to all Mk3 Owners.
supplied By Pete Crompton Club Member