Whats the consensus on cleaning Jaguar connectors here? Some of the sockets after 20 years get considerable oxidation, eg the block connector behind the left bumper corner must be so dirty now, one of my indicators occasionally stop working or the outside temp will show -36C in the summer every now and then, unless I plug/unplug it few times. Same for the two big plugs behind the front right headlight, car works considerably better when cold after I clean these up every now and then(no lumpy idle). I used contact cleaner and 1mm drill inside the plug recently with promising results but thats not ideal as it only removes oxidation where the drill scratch on the metal. Replacing all sockets would take a while, a lot of cables to solder. I suppose a 2mm wire brush drill would be best here but I dont think I ever saw one

 

Try adapting this method to connectors?
You might be able to use a spray bottle.
https://www.instructables.com/id/How...es-in-minutes/

 

Another video showing cleaning wiring connectors using the same method. I restore Corvettes where I'd get points off if I replaced connectors with unoriginal or even reproduction parts so I try my best to keep as much original as possible. Thing is that after 40 or 50 years, connectors are so corroded that at least some agitation is necessary, i.e. you can't just soak it, so its critical to be able to remove the terminals from the sockets to be able to use a brush. Haven't had to mess with this on a Jaguar, but on the old Corvettes, most terminals just snapped into a hard plastic socket and could be carefully released and then snapped back into place. Hopefully you are so lucky. I've run into a few that were pliable molded rubber sockets (supposedly weatherproof) that could not be dismantled. For those, you need to get some fine wire pipe/tube cleaner brushes but 2mm is the smallest I've seen and they don't last long, pretty much dispose after one use and can leave bristles behind so you have to be careful if the terminals are close together in the same pod.

 

The salt and vinegar method worked well here, many thanks! I've tried it on a ground wire strap going from the caliper to the body, copper wire was literally black, 2 minutes in this solution and it came out perfect clean, not a sing of any oxidation on it, very happy with results and I kept both solutions in a small plastic jars for later use

 

Excellent!
Pleased to hear it worked so well for you. I was so amazed at the speed at which it worked that I looked around for other things I could put in it. I bet you did some coins... :-)

 

I tried it before and it worked. However, be very careful with the ECU connectors especially the female side (see pitcure) as some solution may end up in unreachable areas which might not be sufficiently neutralized so would end up re-germinating corrosion. This has happened to my XJR and my mechanic has to remove and replace the 36 copper receptacles for the peace of mind.....

 

Whatever solution left(either vinegar/salt mix or soda) is easily removed with some electronic contact cleaner although luckily I have no problems with my ECU plug