Can Someone Please Help. Blowing Fuses

[bandt]

Do you have a Rally dash? When the markers are on, they share the same circuit as the clock and radio. Do you have an after-market radio?

It is an aftermarket radio. Why, potential problem? Its fused aswell.

Brian

[bandt]

Played around with it again today.

Couple things.
Used Shelbydogg's trick of using a brake light bulb to identify it without using fuses. Works great!
I could isolate the short by dissconnecting all the interior light sources. ie. gauge lights, shift selector light, etc. So I assumed that would lead to the dimmer switch. Removed the dimmer its as clean as a whistle no evidence of arching or any problems.
I noticed that I could turn the jumper light off by playing with the headlight switch. If I move the switch between the marker lights and headlights right in that transition area the jumper will go off and the interior lights will come on.
So what do you think dimmer or headlight switch?? Both?

Thanks,
Brian

[Chryco Psycho]

still could be either , if the dimmer looks good probably not but there could be a spot in the headlight switch where the park lights go off before the headlights & parks come back on , still could be a short in the dash lighting somewhere too .

[LAA66]

 Maybe not much help here but when mine had similar problems, it was in the drivers door jamb switch. Another check is for a duel post bulb in the dome light socket.

[Talkwrench]

  Mine has been doing the same thing.. I need to get on to it as cant drive at night either   

[ShelbyDogg]

The dimmer circuit supplies the 5 amp fuse for the guage and ashtray lights. It also grounds the dome light to turn it on. the 5 amp fuse would blow before the 20 amp fuse.   Chryco said it, you have to keep looking at your wiring.  Moving the switch between parking lights and headlights is just breaking the contact for a split second. 

If you really think it is your switch, PM me your address and I'll lend you another headlight switch to try.

[bandt]

Hey guys,

Found it, was a short in the rear drivers side marker light. Wire insulation was taken off just like it was done with a knife grounded perfectly to the body.
Thanks for everyones help, much appreciated. Man did that suck.

Brian

[Chryco Psycho]

Glad you tracked it down 

[brads70]

   Glad you found it! Elecrtical sure can be frustrating! Not my strong point for sure! 

[bandt]

Thanks guys,

Electrical definately not my strong suit. Hope that doesn't happen again for a long time.

Brian

[ShelbyDogg]

Thanks guys,

Electrical definately not my strong suit. Hope that doesn't happen again for a long time.

Brian

You will be better at electrical if you keep at it, after troubleshooting these old cars. They are so simple compared to the new stuff. Not paying someone to do it. saves you money AND you learn a little too.