SirCharlo

Hey all!
So I finally bought myself a 7th gen... I'm really happy with it.

However, I have a problem: yesterday, while driving, my dash lights suddenly gave out with a slight 'click'. The climate control backlights also stopped working, as well as my tail lights . When I brake they light up, however...

After a bit of hunting I found that the under-hood fuse number 2 was blown, one of the "small light" fuses... So i replaced it with a spare, only to have it blow as soon as i put it in...

What could this mean?

Incidentaly, yesterday was the coldest day of the year so far (about -10°F), I don't know if this could have anything to do with it?

I'm really p-oed at this, if any of you could help I would really appreciate it.
Thanks

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

So with the parking lights off... the fuse blew the second you put it in place ??

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

Most likely constant blown fuses mean short, or reversed wiring, (neg on pos, pos on neg)

Try removing your neg battery terminal, replacing the fuse, and put the neg terminal back on.
If it blows again, it's most likely a short
(you'll have to reset all your radio stations and input your CODE afterwards)

SirCharlo

Hey guys, thanks for your input.

I don't see how reversed wiring could be the cause, as this problem just appeared out of nowhere while I was driving... Just gave out like that...


So, here are the results of further testing.

I now have a nice collection of many blown fuses for sale

And I also have a possible explanation...

I unplugged my aftermarket radio, and noticed that the two wires that weren't connected from the harness to the radio were bare at the end... One of them was labeled "Dimmer", and the other... "Dash lights"

So I'm guessing this was the problem? I guess when I hit a bump just right, the wires got in contact with some metal part and shorted the poor circuit

I'm still waiting to check out my theory, however the lack of spare fuses has halted me

I'll post an update when I get my hands on some fuses...

DarkSouljur

oooh yea, dimmer is something that should be covered up and kept away :P

SirCharlo

Damn!


It worked!

Thanks to everyone for their input.
Bottom line: make sure every loose wire from your aftermarket stereo harness is well capped

Luke

hello!! am a new user to forum, a have a odd quest.
how do I post a question on forum??

tks.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

go to the proper forum that your question pertains to, then once in the forum, click the "new thread" button on the top and fill in the title and post.

7genmarathon

iTrader: (1)

What exactly is the dimmer for? Ive heard it can damage your HU if you crimp/solder it to your harness. Mines not capped, guess I'll get out the Electrical tape.

Your fuse issues reminded me of one hungover afternoon I took off down the highway and my Cruise control didnt engage. I turned around back home, checked ALL the fuses, looked at the ECU for burns... About 1hr and half later I noticed the c.c button was not pressed in. Glad yours worked itself out.

DOH

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

When connected the dimmer lead will dim the head unit's display when the lights are switched on.

SirCharlo

Ha! those types of problems happen quite often don't they
Damn

One of my friends was wondering why his van was not responding very well, accelerating very slowly, etc...
He realized after 15 minutes of steady driving that his parking brake was still engaged
He had to change his brakes