Gauge fuse keeps blowing
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 73
From: Georgetown TX
Gauge fuse keeps blowing. FOUND THE PROBLEM
It was a short in the wiring that supplies 12 volts to the map reading light on the inside rear view mirror. The mirror was loose enough that the wiring got pinch in the screw that secures the mirror to the windshield
1989 automatic 54000 miles
how do I determine which circuit is causing the fuse to blow. There are several wiring circuits on that fuse. I would like to find a main plug that comes off of that fuse to be able to disconnect each circuit in order to narrow things down. I have a FSM
1989 automatic 54000 miles
how do I determine which circuit is causing the fuse to blow. There are several wiring circuits on that fuse. I would like to find a main plug that comes off of that fuse to be able to disconnect each circuit in order to narrow things down. I have a FSM
Last edited by mlm0; Oct 5, 2024 at 05:07 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 3,082
From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
GAGES fuse circuit is pink/blk.
I'd begin with inspection of the components under the hood that are on that fuse. Inspect the wiring adjacent to, as well as the connectors themselves.
Vapor canister purge solenoid. (Under left headlight.) Air Divert Valve. Air Select Valve. EGR solenoid.
If the fuse blows immediately, the short exists. Try disconnecting as many components as you can. Then plug them back in one at a time until the fuse blows.
Another way to chase short circuits without going through a bag of fuses is to use a light bulb in place of the fuse. For this circuit, use an 1156 bulb with wires soldered to it, put the wires in the fuse slots instead of the fuse. If the bulb is on full-bright, the short exists. If the bulb is off or dim, the short does not exist.
I'd begin with inspection of the components under the hood that are on that fuse. Inspect the wiring adjacent to, as well as the connectors themselves.
Vapor canister purge solenoid. (Under left headlight.) Air Divert Valve. Air Select Valve. EGR solenoid.
If the fuse blows immediately, the short exists. Try disconnecting as many components as you can. Then plug them back in one at a time until the fuse blows.
Another way to chase short circuits without going through a bag of fuses is to use a light bulb in place of the fuse. For this circuit, use an 1156 bulb with wires soldered to it, put the wires in the fuse slots instead of the fuse. If the bulb is on full-bright, the short exists. If the bulb is off or dim, the short does not exist.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 3,082
From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 73
From: Georgetown TX
I’m still blowing the fuse. It doesn’t blow right away. If I just idle without driving, the fuse is ok. If I drive a short distance the fuse blows. I’m not sure if movement is causing it or something trying to activate that is causing it. There are so many circuits on that fuse I am stumped on how to narrow it down to the problem circuit. Any suggestions?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 73
From: Georgetown TX
More information
I was mistaken. It blows the fuse as soon as I turn key to the on position. I just replaced the power seat toggle switch in the console and the ac (c68) face plate. I’m thinking I must have shorted or damaged a wire while doing it. I think taking it apart again is what I’m going to have to do.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 73
From: Georgetown TX
I used FSM. I found the diagram that showed what circuits were using the GAUGE fuse, and started checking the circuits that were easiest to get to. I found it upon checking the 4th circuit which was the mirror map light. I could see the short after I remove the mirror. I got very lucky.
You can’t imagine the smile of relief I had.
You can’t imagine the smile of relief I had.