What is the treatment method for oxidized wiring harness connectors in flood-damaged vehicles?
3 Answers
Although this traditional method has certain effectiveness, it is prone to scratching the connectors. If it's a precious earphone connector, caution should be exercised when using this method. After wiping for 5 minutes, the oxidation on the connector will come off, but some scratch marks may also appear on the connector. Oxalic acid has strong corrosiveness to stainless steel. High-concentration oxalic acid can also easily corrode hands. The generated acid oxalate has good solubility but certain toxicity. This can also solve the problem, but for gold-plated connectors, it should be used with caution as the gold plating layer is inherently thin.
I've been running an auto repair shop for thirty years and have encountered numerous cases of water-damaged vehicle connector oxidation. After a car gets flooded, moisture tends to cause rust on the connectors, leading to poor contact or short circuits. My advice is to first disconnect the battery to ensure safety, then use a clean cloth dipped in alcohol to gently wipe away the rust spots. If the rust is severe, lightly sand the terminals with fine sandpaper, being careful not to damage the metal parts. Afterwards, it's crucial to apply anti-rust oil for protection to prevent further corrosion from moisture. Finally, reconnect and test for electrical conductivity. Safety comes first—if you're not confident in handling it yourself, it's best to take it to a professional shop for inspection to avoid potential fire hazards.
My car was also flooded last year, and all the connectors were rusty. Dealing with it is quite critical. The first step I took was disconnecting the battery to prevent short circuits. Then, I gently brushed off the surface rust with a soft brush, sprayed some rust remover, waited a few minutes, and wiped it clean. If the connectors are severely corroded, it's best to replace them entirely. I also found that regular maintenance is important, such as parking away from waterlogged areas whenever possible. After cleaning, test the lights and motor to ensure they're working properly before driving.
