Camry 99 Fuse blows when I put in reverse. Ideas why?

[hjblank]

I have a 1999 Toyota Camry, 4 cyl. Automatic Transmission. When I start the car all is fine. When I shift into reverse the 10A fuse that controls the power windows/gauges/daylight driving lights blows. The engine light has also come on and will not go off. Any ideas? (I can actually hear the fuse pop when I put the shifter in reverse.) You can post or email me at [email protected]. Thanks.

[ice745]

There may be a short somewhere in the reverse light circuit. I don't know where the switch is to turn on the reverse lights (I would think it is underneath the shifter, it may be in the transmission tho), but if you can find it see if you can temporarily disconnect it and see if the fuse still blows. Make sure that both the reverse bulbs are ok and not blown. I don't know if the 99 camry still lights up on the instrument panel what gear you are in, but there is also a possibility there is a short in that light's circuit, this is unlikely becuase that is a more complex circuit and has more paths of resistance so if that was shorted it shouldn't blow a fuse. I think the most probable cause is a burnt out reverse bulb somehow shorting the circuit.

[Mike Gerber]

Check the wiring from the back-up lights going forward. The most logical place for shorted wiring in the rear lights is in the wiring loom in the trunk by the driver's side trunk hinge. It constantly flexes with all the opening and closing of the trunk. Cut open the loom and look for frayed wiring in that area. It should be the same color combination as you saw reaching the back-up lights themselves. If you find frayed wiring in there, tape them individually with some electrical tape and then tape the loom closed. This should solve your problem.

Mike

[hjblank]

Thanks, I found the problem. The wire harness in the truck by the left hinge was damaged with one wire broken and 2 or 3 bare. Evidently this is a big problem with Camrys that was not addressed by Toyota until recently. I took it to a shop that has done a few of them. Doing it yourself is difficult because the wires are very, very thin and difficult to get to.

[Mike Gerber]

You're welcome. Glad the problem is solved for you.

Mike