Pin oxidation had me stuck on transponder tests for hours

I was getting false failures on every transponder I bench tested. After checking everything, I noticed the data port pins looked dull. A quick clean with contact cleaner fixed it right up. Now I make sure to check connectors first thing.

4 comments

4 Comments

lisacarter1mo ago

Isn't it crazy how often dirty connectors are the real culprit?

adams.uma1mo ago

Forget simple dirt, the oxidation thing @logan_wells mentioned is wild. That explains so many useless cleanings where everything looked fine. People are basically polishing corrosion and wondering why it still breaks.

logan_wells1mo ago

Honestly, about 30 percent of the time it's actually oxidation on the pins, not dirt you can wipe off. A lot of people see no gunk and think the connector is clean, but that greenish corrosion is the real problem. You need a proper contact cleaner for that, not just a cloth. It explains why a simple cleaning sometimes does nothing and the frustration comes right back.

ivanbell19d ago

Yeah that "greenish corrosion" part is key. I mean, it's basically like trying to wipe off rust with a dry rag, it just doesn't work. You really do need the right chemical to break that stuff down.