Back up light fuse blows when shifting into reverse

STEVES

MEMBER
1992 SUZUKI SIDEKICK
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

1992 Suzuki Sidekick with an automatic transmission. Where is the back up light switch? What could cause the fuse for the back up lights/ turn signals to blow every time we shift the car into reverse?

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011 AT 3:53 AM

2 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,908 POSTS

The switch isn't the problem. It's turning on when you shift to reverse and putting the short in the circuit. A simple trick is to use a pair of spade terminals and jumper wires to plug in a 12 volt light bulb in place of the fuse. The bulb will be full brightness when you shift into reverse with the ignition switch turned on. That shows the short is there. The bulb will limit current to a save level.

Now you can move the wiring harness around in the trunk and unplug various things. When you isolate the short, the bulb will go out or get dim.