Popping the Dash fuse

[Mirakuu]

I'm currently trying to hunt an electrical problem.

I keep popping the dash fuse, only when the key is on. I can turn it to acc, nothing, turn it to on and it pops after about 5-10 seconds. The heater controls, windows, and dash components are all that feeds off this fuse right? I've disconnected the driver door window switch, and that should isolate the rest of the doors right? It's still popping without the door components plugged in, so it shouldn't be the windows. Any input? Or what all exactly runs off this fuse? I'm trying to get feedback from yall before I pull the dash apart and start chasing wires.

Following wiring diagrams, I notice it goes straight to the integration relay. What is that and where is it located, and how often does it go out?

 

[Mirakuu]

Well can anyone answer this one for me. I haven't had this thing long enough to notice.

If the door is closed with the key on, not cranked yet, is the buzzer supposed to go off? Like if your door is open?

 

[jgilk1]

you working on a first or second gen?

(my guess it that one of the wired in to your speedo or ac control lights is split and shorting out on the inner frame.... )

 

[Mirakuu]

Oh, my bad. 1990, 2nd gen with a V6. I've disconnected = driver door panel, driver door switch, hazard switch, cruise control box, defrost switch, dimmer knob, cdplayer, cig lighter, clutch cancel. I've checked the illumination bulb in the AC controller and its fine.

I'm still slowly checking things. Still popping fuses. I'm almost to where I won't have much else to disconnect and start checking harness wires. It's definitely a short to ground.

I was asking about the door buzzer. I have it disconnected from the door but it goes off when I turn the key to on, and the buzzer stops when the fuse blows. Is it supposed to go off with the doors closed and key on?


Edit: steering controls disconnected too. I just checked the wires on the AC control. All of them are looking good. I have yet to pull the gauge cluster but I'll be doing that now.

 

[Mirakuu]

Dash cluster is now out. Everything checks out. Wires look good. At this point I'm running out of ideas other than the fact that it's gonna end up being something totally retarded. Everything on the dash this far has checked out fine. No one able to answer the buzzer thing?

 

[sam24th]

I believe your rear taillights are on the same circuit aswell and license plate light. Might want to check those and then report back. My 89 has all the interior dash lights and tailights aswell as daytime running lights on the same circuit.

 

[Mirakuu]

I don't think I have daytime running lights. My head and tail lights work fine without the fuse. My tag lights, however, haven't worked since I got this. I pulled the lights and checked the bulbs. 3 of them are there. One is missing and the ones there still have filaments intact. So they should be working but aren't getting power... I'll have to follow wires in the morning. Thanks for the lead cause I've checked everything except each individual door and the sunroof.

I just wonder why the tag lights haven't worked for a few weeks, but just now might be the cause of the popped fuse. I'll update in the morning.

 

[jgilk1]

I don't think I have daytime running lights. My head and tail lights work fine without the fuse. My tag lights, however, haven't worked since I got this. I pulled the lights and checked the bulbs. 3 of them are there. One is missing and the ones there still have filaments intact. So they should be working but aren't getting power... I'll have to follow wires in the morning. Thanks for the lead cause I've checked everything except each individual door and the sunroof.

I just wonder why the tag lights haven't worked for a few weeks, but just now might be the cause of the popped fuse. I'll update in the morning.

well guessing if you would have started with the things that didn't work before diving in to the things that did work might have saves a whole lotta trouble... check the wires where they come out of the rubber boot from the tail gate to the body chances are the ground short is in or near that location....

 

[Mirakuu]

I've been needing to update. After tons of searching for the issue, I finally found it. I got it fixed last weekend, it was the reverse switch on the transmission, passenger side. So if anyone finds this in the search, this is one of many possibilities, and seeing as how this is on the outside of the car, exposed to elements, it may be a good beginning point in diagnosis.

It was shorted out and trying to melt. Had been doing some extensive cleaning on the bottom side and this sensor didn't keep the degreaser out.

Just for reference and help to others, I'll be updating with a full list of what the "gauges" fuse does control.

 

[Mirakuu]

ADD indicator switch
ABS actuator RWD
ABS check connector
ABS Relay
ADD control relay
ABS deceleration sensor
ABS ECU RWD
Auto antenna control relay
ABS Relay 4 wheel ABS
ABS Actuator 4 wheel ABS
Back-up light switch
Brake fluid level switch
Back door unlock warning switch
Backup and licence light DS and PS
Defogger Relay
Moonroof relay
ABS warning light
A/T oil temp indc. light
A/T parking indc. Light
Back door unlock indicator light
Combination meter
Malfunction indicator lamp
O/D off indicator
Rear antilock warning indicator
Cruise control indicator
Seat belt warning light
4wd indicator light
Cruise control ECU
Data link connector 1
Daytime running light relay
Defogger switch
Diode for ADD
Door Control Relay
DIODE for rear window defogger
Electronic control transmission shift pattern select switch
A/T ECM controlled ECU
Fuel sender
Heater blower switch
Headlight auto cut ECU
AT indicator sw for transfer
MT indicator for transfer
Integration Relay
Light reminder relay
Oil pressure switch
Oil temp switch
O/D main switch
Park neutral position switch
Parking brake switch
Rear heater
Rear power window and wiper relay
Rear power window limit switch
Shift lock ECU
Transfer neutal position switch
VSV 2 and 4 wheel drive
Water temp sender
Front heater relay
Rear heater relay

 

[Coyote Kid]

also have the same problem

Wow, that's a lot of things to check! I will start with the oil sensor pressure unit- I know the wire is off on that (been off for years, but the severe shake the vehicle got when I traversed a rocky area might have moved the wire and shorted it)