Power lock/Dome light fuse randomly blows
#1
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Power lock/Dome light fuse randomly blows
I have been having problems with the fuse than protects the power lock, dome light, and lighter circuits. It seems to randomly blow. One night I drove to a friends house, shut off the car, opened the door(dome light working), closed the door, 5min later went back and opened the door and the dome light didn't work as the circuit'* fuse was blown. Sometimes I can go weeks without it going, but others it only lasts a day. Where should I start to troubleshoot? I don't seem to even have a place to start. :?:
#5
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I do have an aftermarket radio, how does this factor in? It is actually fuse 15(1990 SE) that keeps blowing. Also, I seem to have found a pattern. The fuse pops when the drivers door closes, doesn't blow when the dome switch is manually switched though. Haven't checked any other doors yet, it'* cold out.
#6
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Robbinsdale, MN
Posts: 15,408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My guess would be to find the loose/broken wire in or around the driver'* door. Sounds like the impact from closing the door is causing something to move and short out...
#7
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Originally Posted by PLANT PROTECTION
I do have an aftermarket radio, how does this factor in?
With your additional information, I'm willing to bet that there is a pinched wire behind the door panel or in the door jamb boot. The lock switches can be easily removed. I'd start there and take a peek behind too for anything that looks pinched. It will be an orange wire. Then look in the door jamb boot. These can be very stubborn to release from the door and body when it'* cold so keep that in mind.
#8
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not so random anymore, I found what action triggers the fuse blowing. It pops whenever I use the inside door handle, ie, open the door from the inside. So it wasn't closing the door that did it, it was opening it. :? First off, what the hell is connected to the inner door handle electricly? Anything specific I should look for?
#9
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Well the wire that supplies +12v to the lock switch runs close to the handle. This is the same source that supplies +12v to the power mirror switch and the lights in the door. Hopefully you can diagnose just by removing the door handle trim and lock switch trim (woodgrain part in the pic). Look for a pinched orange wire or one that has damaged insulation running near the moving parts behind that trim.
#10
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yup, that was the problem. The 12v+ was being smashed by the door handle when it opened. Prob was random at first because the wire wasn't quite through. Thanks for the help.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
katanac
2000-2005
3
07-03-2011 08:26 PM
kpatteri
Everything Electrical & Electronic
3
02-19-2007 07:48 AM
bonnie94ssei
Everything Electrical & Electronic
8
09-22-2005 08:30 PM