Short
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Westport NY
Short
Ive got a short somewhere,what is the first thing I should try,Ive looked everywhere no bare wires,when I put in fuse it blows,its the circut with the horn the electric antenna courtesy lights map light, and a few others,Im lost when it comes to shorts,is their anyone out their that can help me please,if you can just get me started maybe I can find it,I know its asking alot,but I dont know where to turn other than here,I will pay someone to help me Im serious. Wayne
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Heights IL
electrical problem
Can provide a little general info on checking for a electrical problem.
Have to identify whether unit (horn,etc) or wiring. Suggest using Volt/ Amp meter in fuse connectors to monitor voltage. Then disconnect each unit (one at a time) to determine any change in volts. For example antenna motor could be shorted out. If not a unit problem will need more experienced help to isolate the wiring short and location. Good luck!
Have to identify whether unit (horn,etc) or wiring. Suggest using Volt/ Amp meter in fuse connectors to monitor voltage. Then disconnect each unit (one at a time) to determine any change in volts. For example antenna motor could be shorted out. If not a unit problem will need more experienced help to isolate the wiring short and location. Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 5
From: Charlotte NC
If it's not a component, then you'll need to locate the short in the wiring. There's no easy way to find where it might be, but you can try isolating it with a DVM, checking each connector to ground. A complete circuit would indicate your short is on that line (unless of course it is a ground). After that, I usually start in areas that might wear prematurely such as running thru the firewall, etc.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
You have your work cut out because the 15 amp courtesy fuse powers a lot of devices, each of which you are going to have to check the wiring to for a defective (shorted) device, or for the power wire having abraded insulation and a bare wire touching ground. Here is a list of devices you need to check:
LH & RH map/courtesy light, heater and a/c control head, courtesy light delay timer module, radio, LH/RH footwell light, audio alarm module, LH/RH engine light, cigar lighter, glove box light, telltale assembly, LH/RH cargo compartment light, amplifier (radio) relay, spare tire light, antenna relay.
Do not install a larger than 15 amp fuse unless you like seeing car fires!
Devices that can be unplugged, try unplugging everything. Instead of blowing fuses on each test, you can connect a 12v lamp across the fuse clips and if you still have a short, the lamp will light at full brilliance. With no short, the lamp will not light or be very very dim. Use the blades from a burned out fuse to connect to the fuse socket to make connection with the 12v lamp in place of the fuse.
Good luck!
LH & RH map/courtesy light, heater and a/c control head, courtesy light delay timer module, radio, LH/RH footwell light, audio alarm module, LH/RH engine light, cigar lighter, glove box light, telltale assembly, LH/RH cargo compartment light, amplifier (radio) relay, spare tire light, antenna relay.
Do not install a larger than 15 amp fuse unless you like seeing car fires!
Devices that can be unplugged, try unplugging everything. Instead of blowing fuses on each test, you can connect a 12v lamp across the fuse clips and if you still have a short, the lamp will light at full brilliance. With no short, the lamp will not light or be very very dim. Use the blades from a burned out fuse to connect to the fuse socket to make connection with the 12v lamp in place of the fuse.
Good luck!
Last edited by jfb; May 12, 2009 at 12:19 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
All good info above, I also try and remember the very last thing I did before the problem arose. Can't describe how many times I have jostled a wire, pinched one when reinstalling a component, etc .
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 5
From: Charlotte NC
