Blowing a fuse

[Paul Rice]

Continuing problems with N/S side lights front and back. Have replaced bulbs and fuses several times, checked wiring at rear no visual problems. Checked and re taped wiring at front. Still blows fuse but not straight away, works OK initially. turn on and off still OK return to car bit later no N/S side lights fuse blown?
Any ideas?

 

[pgunter]

Some corrosion on the wiring / connectors or a bad earth connection. Have you looked for any damaged or dry brittle wiring ? The zeds are coming to an age where the inner insulation is starting to break and that in turn is causing 'shorts'

Has any water corrosion got into the bulb holders ? Has any areas where the wiring goes into the body work got brittle ?

It is the same with the boot wiring. Anything on that circuit can cause the fuse to blow.

 

[pgunter]

@Paul Rice

I hope this will help you find out what else is attached to the lighting circuit. Happy reading.

 

[Paul Rice]

Thanks Paul
All looks well in the boot need to re assess front lights
Cheers for the Info
Paul

 

[pgunter]

@Paul Rice Pleasure. Good luck as the electric system can be annoying. Listen for any dry noise on joints if you move them about. Pay attention to the joints and stress points as this is where the cables will break the outer plastic covers and short. Check the outer wrap webbing as well to make sure its not been stretched and pulled, if it has carefully peel back and check the plastic beneath.

Follow the cable from the box to the lights and back if you can.. Any other circuits playing up ? cracking on the radio ?

 

[t-tony]

Hi Paul, you could also try leaving out the front and rear sidelight bulbs in turn to see if that has any affect on the issue mate. Also does the number plate light run off the sidelight circuit on the nearside? Does your car have parking lights actuated by the indicator stalk with the key removed?

Tony.

 

[Paul Rice]

totally removed the N/S headlamp as i wired this up and thought a possible culprit but after turning the side lights on and of over a 3 hour period the fuse blew again so not the front. Checked the wiring in the boot looks OK so looks like an interior re strip to check the wiring.