Is it important to clean electrical contacts

Approximately 1/5 or 1/6 of all repairs to the electric part of the car are somehow related to the oxidation processes. Oxidation of contacts is one of the main problems of electrical equipment. Therefore, in this article, we will concentrate attention on how to clean connectors and why it is as important as motor oil replacement.

An oxidized contact or a short circuit of the dried wiring can lead to a failure of the car's electrical equipment and cause a fire. The more electronic devices are in the car, the more carefully you need to treat this item. Cleaning of wires, sensor connectors and cables is required for both old and new vehicle models. The frequency of the procedure depends on the operating conditions. 

Why is it essential to monitor electrical contacts?

Before to continue the topic of how to clean car electrical connectors, let's define reasons and causes. Oxidation of contacts refers to a chemical reaction in which the metallic material of the conductor and oxygen or its chemical compounds enter. The consequences that arise from the causes of contact damage can lead to a loss of motor power, unstable operation of other electrical systems, or even cause a short circuit.

The main causes of corroded wires car:

❖ Increased humidity in the car systems; 
❖ Increased temperature in the engine compartment, accelerating the process of interaction with oxygen; 
❖ The presence of foreign ingredients (antifreeze, oil, mold, fungus); 
❖ The flow of large currents leading to sparking and charring of contacts; 
❖ Interaction with the salt composition of road treatment.

Signs that the electrical contacts need to be cleaned:

❖ The check engine light or other warning lights on the dashboard are relevant.
❖ OBD2 diagnostics detect sensor errors and they continue to appear after cleaning.
❖ There are problems with stable engine power, the car battery is not working properly.
❖ Other electrical devices in the car have started to work worse.

Understanding car sensor connectors

Before continuing to analyse how to clean electrical connections on a car, it is important to understand what is meant by this concept using specific examples. These include battery terminals, the ignition system and spark plugs, and sensor connectors (ABS, temperature, pressure, throttle position, etc.). Corroded ground connections are a frequent source of electrical faults in vehicles

Preparing to clean electrical contacts

There are specialised products designed for this task. You can easily find them in specialised shops, service stations and sometimes at petrol stations. Most often they are available in the form of liquids, greases or aerosol sprays. You also need a wire metal brush, soft brush, cotton swabs and a can of compressed air.

You may also need the cut-off switch for ground connections. It is a device designed to break the electrical circuit that connects the metal parts of the car body to the negative (main) battery terminal. Although the cut-off switch is not a mandatory component of what to use to clean electrical connections, it can be useful when cleaning electrical connectors and contacts - to avoid short circuits or accidental start-up of systems.

To get started:

✓ Switch off the engine;
✓ Remove the key from the ignition;

Location of sensor connectors

The exact positioning of the sensors may vary relatively from one vehicle model to another, although these differences are not critical. You can use your owner's manual or check the internet for accurate information.
For example, the TPS throttle position sensor is located on the throttle body. The MAF sensor placed on the intake duct between the filter and the throttle body. The CKP sensor can be located near the crankshaft pulley or on the gearbox near the flywheel. Note that it is not necessary to clean all electrical connectors. Just those that are most exposed to moisture and dirt.

How to clean electrical connectors on a car

Be careful. It is significant not to damage the contacts. First, use a can of compressed air to quickly get rid of dust and dry dirt. If stubborn dirt has accumulated, use the products as directed. Hold the connector with the contacts facing down and spray the cleaner. Effortlessly remove the dirt with a brush or sometimes cotton swabs. It is a simple method how to clean electronic contacts.

How and when to clean electrical contacts

The contact cleaner allows not only to get rid of dirt and rust on the live parts of the electrical circuits of the car, but also to improve the contacts. The auto market presents a selection of different automotive electrical contact cleaners. As a rule, they are created in two aggregate states. Liquid products are suitable for spot treatment. The second type, in the form of a spray, is better for treating a large area, i.e. several contacts at the same time. The spray allows you to reach hard-to-reach places.

If you still have a question: "what can I use to clean electrical contacts and prevent corrosion?" the oil products are coming in handle. Oil cleaners not only clean, but also form a thin protective film that prevents re-oxidation and corrosion. They are particularly effective for long-term protection of connectors that are exposed to high humidity or dirt. However, they are not recommended for use on contacts that require the cleanest and driest possible surface, such as precision electronic circuits.

Reassembling the sensor connectors

Remember the position of each connector. If you are not an experienced driver and you have tried to clean the electrical contacts for the first time, we recommend taking a picture of the sensor before removing it. Reconnect the connectors after they are cleaned and completely dry and start the engine.

How long does contact cleaner take to dry?

The maximum drying time of connectors after treatment by means is 10 minutes. Connectors treated with an aerosol without containing oil components will dry in 2 minutes. The absence of a check engine signal is an indication that you have successfully completed this process. However, you can run a quick OBD2 diagnostic with inCarDoc. 

Keeping sensor connectors clean

It is important to understand the difference between cleansing and protective compounds. Cleaners only remove oxides and impurities from the contacts. But, it does not create a protective cover on their surface. The right solution, if you want to protect the contact for as long as possible, is to treat it with grease and regularly check for maintenance. Hope, now, you are clear with the issue of how to clean automotive electrical connectors. We recommend to use inCarDoc app to check the car for DTC related to electric connectors. Namely, Oxygen Sensor, MAP and MAF Sensors, TPS, CMP, ECT, etc.