Electrical problems, any ideas
by Adam
I have an old Fiat Tempra with all the classic fiat problems, most fixed now but I need help with the electrics to pass the MOT, the sidelights on the nearside won't work cos the fuse blows out every time its replaced (immediately you swith the lights on) also interior light and reg plate lights affected.

Any idea how to trace down the 'short out' point, or any ideas of classic 'short outs' on the tempra would help, alternativly I'll have to wire all the sidelights up to the working side (two fuses control the sidelight system) I'm sure this is unwise so help me out,
Cheers

Dodgy Switches

I had a similar problem with my Bravo, which would blow the lighting fuse when the lights were switched on. However, I discovered it was the actual act of turning the switch that caused the short-circuit. If I switched on the lights before the ignition, it was fine. After giving the switch a vigorous on/off session, it has been fine since for a couple of years. I guess it was a piece of swarf in the switch...

Steve

lights

It could also be dodgy wire in the sidelamps. My brothers Porsche used to suffer from a similar thing, the sidelight on one side, the rear driving light on one side and the number plates lights all didnt work and the fuse blew every time. It was a short where some garage had replaced the bulb in the side light, but had pushed the wire too close to the reflective backing , cut the insulation and it shorted out when it got hot, after i had all the light units out, i discovered this! I was begining to think it was a melted wire somewhere in the loom (Porsches have electric everything and masses of wires everywhere, would have been a nightmare to fault find) but a bit of insulation tape in the sidelamp fixed it. Its also more likely to be here as this light gets the hotest of them all and uses more current so is more likely to short than say the number plate lights.

Thanks, but guess what

I only just bought this car, right, and the garage I got it from had wired the sidelights wire into the STEREO!!!! can you belive it? sorted now but had to call out an auto electrician, lots of cash.