putting car in reverse blows #18 10A fuse (Instrument Panel and Powerwindows Die)

[MTLtoyota]

I have a 1995 camry.

When I put I move the stick into reverse (automatic) it blows my #18 10 amp fuse.

My instument panel dies as does my Power windows. Also my Daytime running lights no longer seem to work, even after changing the fuse.
I have not had anything new installed.

Does anyone have any experience with this problem?

[DFBonnett]

Have you checked the B/U light sockets for corrosion or a frayed wire? Frayed wire at the trunk hinge?

[flashlight]

I would check for frayed wires or a wire that got crossed because I am having the same trouble with my Geo Metro. But my car doesn't have power anything and the guy that had it before me was an idiot and connected whatever wires he could. I would have to agree with DFBonnett and tell you to check all your wires to see if one or more of them are frayed or corroded, because even a small unprotected spot will short or get grounded if it comes in contact with other metal parts.

[Mike Gerber]

As DFBonnett said, I would first check the loom of wires inside the trunk by the driver's side trunk hinge. Open up that loom and look for frayed or broken wires. Repair as necessary. I would pay particular attention to the color of wire that leads to the backup lights and see if that is frayed and contacting another frayed wire in that loom.

Mike

[steffenk]

When you move the gear shifter into reverse, you may be pinching (shorting) a wire to ground. You'd have to remove the cover around the gear shifter to check for this. I had this type of intermittent short once - took a long time to find but ended up being a pinched wire that occurred when the (manual) gear shifter was shifted into reverse.