C3 Electrical problem
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1
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C3 Electrical problem
Hi, I have a 75 automatic restored rag top with a very strange electrical issue. It is probably a ground as most are but I do not know where to start. When I place the car in reverse the fuse that controls the rear reverse lights and blinkers fails. I have replaced the reverse safety switch which did nothing. The brake lights and tail lights work fine just no blinkers or reverse lights. Anyone ever had this issue or have any ideas? I have a electrical schematic but, I am not an engineer. thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Moro IL
Since the problem only occures when you move the shifter into reverse, I'd start by looking at everything electrical that may come into contact with the shifter moving. My guess is your probably rubbing a powered wire into a ground when the shifter is moved, or your reverse switch's power wire is shorted to ground once placed into reverse. The way I noramlly trace this stuff at work is to try and isolate every component on that fuse by disconnecting a section of the harness at a time. For example disconnect your backup switch and see if the fuse still blows. If it does it should pretty much eliminate the back up switch and the wiring going back to the reverse lights. And your next step would be to start tracing the wiring that feeds the backup switch. If you can isolate the area of wire that is the problem spot but can't pinpoint it, it's often easier to run a new wire from a point that you know is good back to the device you want to power, justmake a note on your personal wiring diagram for future reference or the next owners reference.
Pat Kunz
Pat Kunz
