Keep blowing the damn fuse... '88 wd-21

[coaz4x4]

Just started with this problem 2 days ago. Fuse is for (10 amp):

"Clearance, License, Tail, Side Marker, Illumination lamps, Key-In Switch"

I have checked the back of the fuse panel, all 4 marker lights, the license plate lights, and all associated connections that I could find. I was also told that this might occur with a lot of corrosion in a trailer connector which my pathy doesn't have, nor does it have any evidence of ever having (despite having a hitch).

Whenever a new fuse goes in, as soon as I turn the headlight control to just the marker lights, pop, it's gone.

Any suggestions of where to look and what to diagnose?

Thanks!

[Ditchfinder]

If you have a towing harness I would check there first something might have rubbed thru. I pop that fuse now and again when I tow the flat bed. It may also be the switch.

[coaz4x4]

No trailer wiring... thinking it might be the dimmer switch for the console/dash lights. How would I bypass that to see?

[itsme1738]

i have a spare light switch....(multi funchion switch)
if u want to borrow it to try that...the switch is 80 bucks
jeff

[coaz4x4]

How do I bypass the switch (and dimmer control for the dash) to check to see if that is the issue?

[CurleyMan]

If you have a towing harness I would check there first something might have rubbed thru. I pop that fuse now and again when I tow the flat bed. It may also be the switch.

I blew the same fuse for years until we figured out u-haul had used alligator clips on my harness. Pop that dimmer switch out and disconnect the wires then try it out.

[itsme1738]

i dont know anything about the dimmer.....sorry
borrowing the multi function switch still stands

[coaz4x4]

I am going to try disconnecting the dimmer first, then may take you up on your offer... that's a part that's totally foreign to me tho.

[itsme1738]

its cruise control head/running lights and turn signal
4 screws to remove the plastic around the steering
column 2 screws for the switch an 2 plugs
about 5 minutes

[coaz4x4]

Sounds good, I'll check it out in the manual when I get home.

Whereabouts are you so I can snag the switch?

[itsme1738]

i live at bowles and simms but work in englewood
ill throw the switch in the truck gimmi a call

[coaz4x4]

So I installed the switch unit I borrowed (thanks a ton itsme1738) but the fuses are still poping.

I decided to pull apart as much of the dash as I could to get a gander at what was going on back there... scary.

For instance, I pulled this piece of definately non-stock wiring, then my blinkers stop working. Come to find that that piece of wire connected one of the lines going in to the ignition to the molex behind the hazard switch, and that's where the blinkers are drawing their juice from.

Little to say, there's still no function in the 'clearance lights' and the fuse pops every time.

Is anyone avalible to help me Friday or Saturday afternoon/evening?? I'm just south of DU.

[itsme1738]

i would say yes but im just as lost as u....
my best guess was that switch....damm

[Allen Cox]

So I installed the switch unit I borrowed (thanks a ton itsme1738) but the fuses are still poping.

I decided to pull apart as much of the dash as I could to get a gander at what was going on back there... scary.

For instance, I pulled this piece of definately non-stock wiring, then my blinkers stop working. Come to find that that piece of wire connected one of the lines going in to the ignition to the molex behind the hazard switch, and that's where the blinkers are drawing their juice from.

Little to say, there's still no function in the 'clearance lights' and the fuse pops every time.

Is anyone avalible to help me Friday or Saturday afternoon/evening?? I'm just south of DU.

If I can get the gears in Jeff's (itsme) axle early enough on Saturday, I'll stop over before heading to CoSprings.

Also, I'm heading down solo, wanna ride?

[Ditchfinder]

have you replaced any bulbs recently? check to make sure ther is not a short to ground at the turn signals and tails lights.

[coaz4x4]

Allen- I have a HOA meeting (I am el prez.) on Saturday, then some of the 4th graders on my team are meeting me for the DU lax game... I should be done by 4. I am gonna 'tinker' some today. Otherwise, I'd be all over that ride...

DF- none of the bulbs have been replaced. I did check all four marker lights and the lic. plate lights for corrosion/shorts etc. tho. I was AMAZED how good of shape all that stuff was in.

The blinker bit does worry me tho... the power for them doesn't go through that specific fuse...