Working on the Malibu

I was working on the Malibu today.  The big items from earlier in the summer sucked the folding money right out of my budget so I am working on smaller items that don't cost much.

I want to get the Malibu ready for Belladonna to take back to school and not have to worry about it failing.

Today's item was to get the Auxiliary Power Outlets functional.  Ok, ok...cigarette lighters to us older folks.

Bella uses one solely to charge her phone.

I bought a new one at the local parts place for about $7 but it had 1/4 inch "spade" terminals which were different than the factory terminals.

Having experience with crimp-on terminals (and no joy), I consulted with one of my friends who is an expert.  He makes his living selling, installing and repairing central vacuum systems and lighting systems.

I spent the big dollar for this tool, $17.  It only does one thing, crimp-on terminals, but it does it very, very well.  The handles are 8" long and stout.  The jaws line up and don't flex.

He told me that the only crimper that ever worked for him had male/female details that crushed the terminal-wire into a "C" shape.  Those details are circled in red in the photo shown above.  Furthermore, he told me to ignore the package which suggested that one set of details (the ones to the left of the red circle) should be used for terminals with insulating sleeves on them.  He uses the male/female on EVERYTHING.

I followed his advice.  I bought a tool similar to the one he showed me.  One of her Auxiliary Power Outlets is now functional and she is happy.  Maybe tomorrow I will tackle the second one.