# Burnt electrical connector. Tried DeoxIT **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** electrical-wiring\ **Created:** [June 27, 2025, 7:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801 "2025-06-27T19:28:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![runzwitscizzors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/439d5e/32.png) [@runzwitscizzors](https://community.cartalk.com/u/runzwitscizzors)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2025, 7:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/1 "2025-06-27T19:28:34Z")
2014 Subaru Crosstrek. The Blower Switch stopped working on 4 (Highest setting). I pulled out the switch, and noticed the electrical connector on the car side (female, 6-pattern) looked slightly burnt on one pin receiver. See pic: ![CrosstrekWires](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/f/4/f443f9d205aa9a957029397cffc9fb187f2f6480.png) I happened to have some DeoxIT D100L. So just to experiment, I applied some to both male and female, plugged it back in. The “4” setting now works about 80% of the time. When it doesn’t come on, I switch it 0, wait a moment, then back to 4 and it comes on. QUESTION (2): 1. Is applying DeoxIT a valid temporary solution? Should I be concerned with further heat issues? 2. Is there a solution that does not require stripping out this wiring and put a new one in (that could require taking a part much of the dash I’m assuming). ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2025, 7:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/2 "2025-06-27T19:53:46Z")
If the DeoxIT restored most of the functionality with one spray, try it again. I assume that you can see the plug side contacts but not the receptacle side. Spray it in the receptacle again and see if it helps. If not, try putting a thin abrasive in the receptacle like a thin file or emery paper. If the oxidation isn’t completely removed yet, the abrasive might get the contact clean again. When I’ve encountered burned contacts before, I replaced the receptacle and whatever plugged into it. In my case, it was a headlight and its receptacle. ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2025, 8:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/3 "2025-06-27T20:02:39Z")
> [@runzwitscizzors](#): > > - Is applying DeoxIT a valid temporary solution? Should I be concerned with further heat issues? > - No and Yes. Look at the other pins. They are pristine. The overheated pins have lost their protective finish so they will probably develop oxidation fairly rapidly if the right conditions exist. More importantly, something caused them to overheat so that needs to be corrected. > [@runzwitscizzors](#): > > - Is there a solution that does not require stripping out this wiring and put a new one in (that could require taking a part much of the dash I’m assuming). Yes, but it means finding the right parts and having some soldering skills. Those pins can be replaced. There will be a small tab on the metal pin that retains it in the housing. Usually, a small jewelers screwdriver can be used to press it in and push the pin back out of the housing. Then cut it off, strip the wire and crimp the new pin. If you don’t have a crimper, a needle nose will suffice to form the pin around the insulation and stripped wire, followed by soldering to finish the connection. You may also be able to find what is called a “pig tail” which is that plug already loaded with pins and wires but only about 6" long. Then you can splice it in place of the existing one. Or just extract a couple of the pins that are burned and replace just those. There are options… ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2025, 9:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/4 "2025-06-27T21:58:45Z")
Probably bad switch or motor going south. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2025, 10:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/5 "2025-06-27T22:11:16Z")
Common problem on these cars. I’d get a couple of them. > **[SUBARU XV CROSSTREK 13-17 MANUAL HEATER AC HVAC CONTROL REPLACEMENT WIRE...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/325519799047)** > > Painted parts/Interior parts may not match your vehicles color and may require respraying or touching up to match. Tester ---
**Author:** ![keith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/keith/32/5518_2.png) [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2025, 11:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/6 "2025-06-27T23:52:42Z")
Clean the connector as best you can but do not get too aggressive. A fine file of even the edge of a small flat blade screwdriver to knock off the big stuff is enough. Then go to a hardware store like HD or Lowes, or an electrical supplier and get a small bottle of “NOALOX”. This is what is used by linemen and electricians to insure a good connection of wires and contacts they work on. It will neutralize the corrosion and ensure a conductive path. BUT, be careful, this is highly conductive so do not allow any of it to bridge between contacts or you will short out your connector. I would use a tooth pick to apply to the contacts, both the male and female. ---
**Author:** ![runzwitscizzors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/439d5e/32.png) [@runzwitscizzors](https://community.cartalk.com/u/runzwitscizzors)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2025, 1:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/7 "2025-06-28T01:25:24Z")
Great info @TwinTurbo, **and others**. Just ordered the following: > **[Amazon.com: LANDSIN Heater AC Control Unit Plug Fit for Subaru Forester...](https://www.amazon.com/LANDSIN-2014-2017-2012-2017-Crosstrek-Replacement/dp/B0CM8LFHT9)** > > Perfect Fit: This wire harness is tailored to seamlessly fit for Subaru Forester 2014-2017, Fit for Subaru Impreza 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017, Fit for Subaru Crosstrek 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Fit for Subaru WRX 2015 2016 2017 With this precise... and > **[Amazon.com: Akozon Terminal Cleaning Tool, 3PCS Metal Terminal Cleaner Set...](https://www.amazon.com/Akozon-Terminal-Repairing-Electrical-Connector/dp/B098WLZC76)** > > Buy Akozon Terminal Cleaning Tool, 3PCS Metal Terminal Cleaner Set Electrical Cleaner for Small Electrical Spade Pin Connector: Electrical System Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases I’ll start by cleaning the terminals, apply a little more DeoxIT (OR possibly Noalox??) and try it again. If that doesn’t work, I’ll get the wire-cutters, soldering tool and heat-shrink tubing and and put the new pig-tail on it. Thank you All. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2025, 1:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/8 "2025-06-28T13:53:22Z")
please show us pictures of the corresponding terminals on the blower switch ---
**Author:** ![runzwitscizzors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/439d5e/32.png) [@runzwitscizzors](https://community.cartalk.com/u/runzwitscizzors)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2025, 10:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/9 "2025-06-28T22:45:46Z")
As you can see, this doesn’t show very much damage. ![Pic1](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/9/9/99c3706e2eb43c5f5b131b6f7b8f4278edffbcd5.png) ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2025, 11:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/10 "2025-06-28T23:33:35Z")
The plastic looks melted Bottom row Middle terminal ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2025, 11:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/11 "2025-06-28T23:41:00Z")
Yeah, the root of the bottom middle blade shows blackened plastic. I can’t tell how discolored the blade is from this photo. More light on the top and a view of the bottom may prove instructive. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2025, 2:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/12 "2025-06-29T02:41:34Z")
I also agree the above 2, it looks like it has been overheated… ---
**Author:** ![runzwitscizzors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/439d5e/32.png) [@runzwitscizzors](https://community.cartalk.com/u/runzwitscizzors)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2025, 11:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-electrical-connector-tried-deoxit/200801/13 "2025-06-29T23:32:01Z")
Update: I just filed it down the male blade a bit, added some DeoxIT, and it started working again. However I also have a pig-tail for the female side that just came in the mail, and just ordered some shrink butt connectors. I may just replace the car-side (in the first picture), since that had more damage.