It seems that electrolytic capacitors do not age well. This begs the
question: Should all the electrolytics be replaced to prevent future
problems or is this particular one (C32, the 330uf) under more stress?
Is this the cap that failed for you?

Thanks for your help.
John

chip@chipanddebby.com (Chip Stein) wrote in message news:<5ddcea74.0312091710.74a4f055@posting.google. com>...
> jbbrooks99@yahoo.com (John) wrote in message news:<c2500c83.0312090608.63876ff@posting.google.c om>...
> > I removed the automatic transmission control unit from my '91 accord
> > and opened it up. The capacitor marked C32 which is a 330uf 10v
> > electrolytic has failed and leaked electrolyte onto the board nearby,
> > giving it a black appearance. Also the resistor marked R41 is burnt.
> > It is color coded Brown-Green-"BURNT" and has a gold tolerance band.
> > I guess the burnt band is a Black band so this would be a 15 ohm
> > resistor, just like the one next to it. It and the one next to it
> > measure about 15 ohms. Does anyone know if 15 ohms is correct for
> > R41? I have read on this forum that there are two resistors that
> > fail. Does anyone know which one it is?
> >
> > I can easily replace these 2 parts, but my questions are: What makes
> > these parts fail and is there another commonly-failed part that makes
> > them go out that should be replaced while I have the TCU out of the
> > car?
>
>
> electrolytic capacitors "perforate" with age. the electrolyte breaks
> down and there is a burn through between conductors. i don't have a
> tcu handy, but will look in my box tomorrow to see if i can find the
> resistor value.
> Chip