Directionals keep blowing fuses...Help!
06-20-2008, 02:15 PM
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Track Day
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Directionals keep blowing fuses...Help!
I have an 87 Carrera which has started blowing fuses concerning my directionals. I've tried changing the relay and I've also noticed that the hazards work perfectly so I don't think its a short in one of the lights. Has anyone else seen this before or have an idea where I should go next?
Doug
Doug
06-23-2008, 10:01 AM
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I'm hoping your switch on the column is okay. Remember, all the headlight power (low and high beam) runs thru the switch, and the switch is notorious for failing as these cars get old. Usually the headlights just stop working. But .... who knows.
There may also be a ground fault from the light-housing to the chassis of one of the light assemblies. My SC had that problem. You might need to sit down with a cooler full of beer, a Phillips screwdriver, and a volt-meter and check each assembly carefully for corrosion and crud in and around the light assemblies. Pay particular attention to the interior of the assemblies where the contacts and grounding points touch the bulbs. Crud, metal flakes, and debris can close the circuit incorrectly, causing short-outs.
Good luck!
There may also be a ground fault from the light-housing to the chassis of one of the light assemblies. My SC had that problem. You might need to sit down with a cooler full of beer, a Phillips screwdriver, and a volt-meter and check each assembly carefully for corrosion and crud in and around the light assemblies. Pay particular attention to the interior of the assemblies where the contacts and grounding points touch the bulbs. Crud, metal flakes, and debris can close the circuit incorrectly, causing short-outs.
Good luck!
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06-24-2008, 01:19 AM
#8
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I agree with what BlackPearl said.
Often times, where the wire can short where it rubs against the body. I've seen this occur near the grommet where the wire enters the light assembly. I would lift the wire at the fuse, remove the light bulb, then check to see if the hot wire is shorted to ground.
With both ends open, you should measure infinity to ground if you put one lead of the VOM on the wire and the other on the chassis. Look for areas of the wire where the insulation is worn. Zero ohms or a small resistance means a short circuit of that wire.
If some one can hold the VOM in place, wiggle the wire end that enters the light assembly and see if you have an intermittent short.
Often times, where the wire can short where it rubs against the body. I've seen this occur near the grommet where the wire enters the light assembly. I would lift the wire at the fuse, remove the light bulb, then check to see if the hot wire is shorted to ground.
With both ends open, you should measure infinity to ground if you put one lead of the VOM on the wire and the other on the chassis. Look for areas of the wire where the insulation is worn. Zero ohms or a small resistance means a short circuit of that wire.
If some one can hold the VOM in place, wiggle the wire end that enters the light assembly and see if you have an intermittent short.
Last edited by autobonrun; 06-24-2008 at 11:59 PM.