Happened to me a few months ago. My back-up light switch at the tranny was bad. It's only about a five minute job and the part is about $5. To test: Remove leads from tranny back up light switch. Install new fuse. Turn on key (but don't start van...probably helps if you have a helper here) with Van in reverse gear. Again, the van is not running. I'm also assuming you have some competent person in drivers seat making sure the van isn't going any where. At least block the wheels and be careful. OK? 'Cause if the van _does_ go somewhere, it's probably going to be over you. Ok, now scramble back to your back-up light switch leads. Short them together. Do your back up lights go on? Fuse stays intact? Then it's the switch. If the lights don't go on, or you immediately blow a fuse, start some basic troubleshooting. My next steps would be to check the grounds at the bulbs, and check the bulb sockets for corrosion. I'm pretty sure it's the switch, though. All in all, a pretty satisfying, cheap repair. Have fun. Tim King Seattle, WA 87 Syncro Westy PS -- you do mean new _bulbs_ , right? In the existing tail light sockets, right? You didn't just install some halogen foglights piggybacked onto your existing back up light wiring, did you? If so, all bets are off 'cause those suckers are going to be drawing more current than your wiring can handle. There's no relay now, but if this is the system you are using, you'll want to add one. ----- Original Message ----- From: Daniel Danrich <danrich@ccmaui.net> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2000 9:25 PM Subject: New backup lights keep blowing the fuse !~~
> Why even using a 30amp fuse it still blows the fuse on my new backup lights > could it be the relay? > I'm stumped, help? > VWMad |
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