Number 9 Fuse blows each time I put in a new fuse

[Cuhrazatee]

Hey all!

I have a 1998 Z3 2.8, and I was replacing the radio with a factory OEM replacement, and was getting no power. I took the car to shop to get a quick look over, and the number 9 fuse (see here) blows immediately upon replacement. As an aside, I have noticed that the cruise control will also work intermittently. I will turn on the cruise control and it will work for a bit and then stop. Knowing that the blown fuse is a part of the cruise control circuit, I imagine the issues are connected. Furthermore, this seems to be a fairly involved circuit, wiring together many components. I am pretty stumped and couldn't find any answers here or elsewhere online. I have minimal electrical knowledge, but am hoping to avoid a massive bill from a technician if possible.

Any suggestions on where to start?

Thanks!

 

[t-tony]

First thing I would do is disconnect the wiring from the C/C switch on the column and then try replacing the fuse.

Tony.

 

[gookah]

I would check the light switch. the dimmer circuit is known to breakdown and can catch fire.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Maybe you should start by getting the wiring diagrams for your car instead of trusting a Website. You can get them from our "Resources" pages. See the top blue ribbon on this page. The diagrams are on page 2. You need the build date of your car so you can select the right one.

In them, you will discover that Fuse 9, 20A, Hot at all times, supplies the CD changer, Radio and HiFi amplifier.

Your intermittent cruise control problem is likely to be the Brake Light Switch. Get the car scanned. If there is a BLS/BTS plausibility code, then its the brake light switch.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

If there is a BLS/BTS plausibility code, then its the brake light switch.

That would explain it, then. Every now and again my cruise control doesn't work, and comes back next time. I also get something on my code reader about "implausible brake switch" or words to that effect. More money some time soon, maybe.

 

[Cuhrazatee]

Well I think I found the problem, after smelling smoke coming from behind my cd changer, I found my amplifier was fried. My concern is why this happened in the first place. Any reasons why this could happen? I'm also currently looking for a replacement part, 65128399683 and am having a tough time finding a good one. Any suggestions on where to look (I've already tried Ebay and other online shops).

 

[Althulas]

You could replace it with a decent amp and mount it in the boot and rewire to there it would sound better than the oem unit but if you want to stay oem and just plug and play you could try giving @spurs fan in a coupe a shout and see if he has one.

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

I have OEM HK boot amps yes

 

[Cuhrazatee]

Just found the part through an online part searcher. Will see how the shipping and handling do, but these guys were really helpful: http://www.usedpartnation.com/

 

[Cuhrazatee]

Ok, the new to me oem amp came in, I installed it and everything worked. Then I checked my fuses, and pulled out number 9 to inspect and now the alarm gives the dreaded 3 chirps. Any suggestions on a fix?

 

[NZ00Z3]

The only thing related to the radio and the alarm is the contact behind the original head unit. The contact is feed of another fuse.

 

[Cuhrazatee]

Is the foam for insulation though?

 

[NZ00Z3]

Is the foam for insulation though?

What foam are you talking about?

If you are talking about the security switch behind the head unit, the usual ways of defeating it when you install a new head unit are:
1) Zip tie the contact closed.
2) Unplug the square block, put it in your tool box for storage and leave the connector to hang in the breeze.