1994 eagle summit tail light and dash light problem

[colbycheese]

My taillights and dash lights have gone out. i replaced the blown fuse for the tail lights and when i turn them on with the new fuse it blows out too. what should i do?

[shorod]

Well, that's a very broad question. You should find the short circuit and fix it, then replace the fuse.

I assume you'd like to know where to start looking for the short circuit. You might consider replacing the fuse with a test light. The test light will glow brightly while the short circuit exists.

You'll probably need a wiring diagram for your car. You may be able to view the diagram for free from the Autozone "Repair Information" website. Or, if you already have a Chilton or Haynes manual for your car, the information from Autozone will be pretty much the same as what's in the paper manual.

Does this car by chance have an aftermarket stereo or alarm system? If so, I'd start by checking the installation of those to see if there's a problem with the install. If the installer did a crappy job and used electrical tape rather than shrink sleeving on the splices, the tape may have migrated and left bare wire exposed to short to ground.

-Rod

[MagicRat]

For the blowing tail lights, the best place to start is at the light bulbs themselves, Bad bulbs or bad/rusty bulb sockets are most often the source for such trouble.

Try removing all tail light and running light bulbs that are on this circuit. This may include the marker lights on the side and front of the car as well as the licence plate light.
Then use the test light to see if there is still a short. If not, then put the bulbs back in one-at-a-time until the short reappears, then repair the offending bulb and/or socket.

[colbycheese]

good ideas, ill try this out tomorrow. i did put a stereo in myself. i did a quick lackluster job so ill start by double checking that.

[colbycheese]

ok, i checked the stereo and no loose wires...
also i might add all other lights on the care workin, brakes, headlights, reverse.

[colbycheese]

aight i tested all the bulbs they are working, the tailights and brake lights are actually on the same bulb. The brake lights work but when i turn on the tail lights the fuse pops, not affecting the actual bulbs tho cuz the brakes still work. i wasnt quite sure how to use the test light, i clamped the thing onto the negative battery side and stuck the light tip into the fuse and i got no light.
so the dash lights like just where the speedometer and stuff is and tail lights dont work when i flip the switch. everytime i stick a new fuse in there it blows the new fuse when i turn the lights on.

any other suggestions?

[LeSabre97mint]

CC

The test light is put in place of the fuse. The ground clip connects to one side of the fuse socket and the point of the test light connects to the other side of the fuse socket. (You may have to use a bit of shorter wire in the fuse socket to get the test light connected.) The test light gives you time to apply power to the circuit without a fuse blowing. I would remove one bulb at a time until the test light goes out. If you get all of the bulbs out and the test light is still lit you may have a short in the wiring some where.

Does this vehical have trailer wiring?

I hope this helps.

Regards

Dan