Originally Posted by
red_2005_convertible
Most posts are about how a drink was spilled on the SLA, and it stopped working. I was wondering why a spilled drink could ruin the electronics - most electronics are conformally coated to protect them.
1) WHAT? I've earned a living in component-level electronics since 1983 and I'd not say that, not at all.
2) You now have a full understanding of just how "vulnerable" many of the electronic/electrical components of these cars are.
Iv'e been on this board since 2009, the number of us who have experienced chemical/water/soft drink damage to modules (and NOT just the SLA) are endless. EXAMPLE: Water damage to the CLP/SSM has to the the 3rd or 4th leading cause of a convertible top that wont move, all it takes is a TINY amount of water migrating over time, down the wiring harness. EXAMPLE: The SLA, which you just documented better than anyone ever has.
I gotta say, being a "manual only" guy, I have often wondered just what was in the SLA, I knew it had considerable electronics, as it talks to the ECU on the CAN BUS.
MOD NOTE: This thread in now a "sticky" and will remain here, as you put it in exactly the right forum. This little project of yours was a great idea. The SLA is one of those "nothing much in the manual" modules and we have LITTLE to go on apart from what we contribute as a community.