Need Help, Wiring issue/Short

[MassGTP]

First, hello guys. I used to come on here years ago and was pretty active but forgot my user name and pass.

OK, So heres my issue.

My gauge cluster lights went out along with my taillights. I know this is fuse 37 under the hood so I checked it, and sure enough it was blown. I replaced it and the issue was fixed for a week or so. Then it happened again and a few more times after that. Now no gauge cluster lights and no tails but the fuse is not blown.

I pulled the taillight bulbs and to see if that made a difference and it did not. I checked all the wires going to the tails to look for frayed wires or crimped and nothing. I checked under the dash where the guy before me had hooked up strobes that i pulled years ago and nothing looked out of the ordinary. I checked the wires going to the fuse box the best i could and nothing looked like the culprit.

Now I am at a loss, I have no idea what else to check and i don't want to bring it to a shop because I am sure it will be an arm and a leg. So I came back here remembering a few pros from back in the day, Rich, Tblake , Bob or any one else that might have a suggestion. Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks a bunch fellas!

Edit, I forgot I dont have a sig anymore.
2000 GTP 4 door
zzp 1.0
3.4
1 step colder plugs
wizair
3in down high flow cat
no ubend 3 in catback
Stage 1 TB



~Joe

[indyram]

I had something similar to this in a dodge ram i used to have. After trial and error found it was the headlight switch that had gone bad. Might be something to check.

[MassGTP]

Sorry I should have mentioned this. Yesterday I replaced that headlight switch dimmer thing and it didnt resolve the issue.

Thank you for your input though!


~Joe

[brcidd]

You can bet that the wired in strobes have something to do with it...I'd have a second look at the areas that were hacked into.....

[MassGTP]

Thing with the strobes is they were pulled out about 3 years ago and nothing under there was touched since, So i dont know why now it would be the culprit. And I looked behind the ash tray where he had them and there didnt seem to be anything that I could see that was the issue. But I will try again.

Edit: hers a question....I have a slight gap in my drivers side headlight where water could have got in on the PCM, could the PCM be the issue?
Thank you!






~Joe

[richtazz]

Since you've replaced the headlamp switch, the next on the list would be the turn signal/multifunction switch in the column. Also, is there any other gremlins like DIC issues or random blower speed issues? If so, you could have the beginnings of an ignition switch/harness issue, although doubtful because the tailamps work independent from this switch.

[MassGTP]

No blower issues, But i do have the typical key stuck in ignition issue so I have to stick something under to get it out. A local guy mentioned that blinker steering colum part but it looked expensive so i was praying it wasnt that. But by the sounds of it and you being the second person to mention that. It looks like thats my next step.

thanks!!

[richtazz]

yep, the key sticking in the ignition is another common symptom of a bad ignition switch.

[brcidd]

Instead of spending money on uneeded parts, why not diagnose first, so that you change only the faulty part? or even find the problem.

By blowing enough fuses, you have now created an open in the overloaded circuit- so time to get the wiring diagram out, and start unplugging components and tracing individual circuits.

If you don't have access to the wiring diagram- just ask, we can help..but we need to know exactly what does not work....

That multifunction switch is over $200 as I recall....I'd want to know for sure it is the culprit before I'd change it...

[MassGTP]

Yeah, I would like to troubleshoot but my knowledge is limited. Does anyone have a wiring diagram that I can check out.

But as of now, My gauge cluster lights are out along with tails, fuse 37 no longer blows, My key gets stuck all the time. Thats all that is wrong now.

Thanks for the help, I remembered you guys are the best and I am glad i came back.

[olopezm]

As Rich said it's very likely you need a new ignition switch, even if it doesn't fixes all of your problems it will surely fix the stuck key problem.

I would do that one first instead of the multi function switch as it is a known problem with GP's.

I'll upload the diagrams for you...

Oscar.

[brcidd]

Here is the external light diagram. and the headlamp switch diagram, and the instrument panel lighting circuits