Fuse issues after installing aftermarket radio

GILDAB

MEMBER
2000 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

Initially we were trying to replace stock radio (which was not working in the beginning) with an aftermarket one. Connected wire to wire. Radio was still not working. Started replacing blown fuses. Replaced the fuses that were missing and went by the owner's manual. Finally got the radio to work but now the odometer/headlights are not working. Played around with the fuses again. We got the car to turn on and off no problem. Next day battery was drained. Odometer is not working. No A/C. We decided to disconnect the radio and return it to how it was originally. Every time a blown fuse is replaced it keeps blowing the new one. Still having issues. We have to unplug the battery every time we turn the car off to keep it from draining. Took it in to family mechanic and he has not been able to figure out what is causing this. Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

A simple trick to finding a short is to replace the blown fuse with a pair of spade terminals, then use small jumper wires to connect them to a twelve volt light bulb. A brake light bulb works well. When the circuit is live and the short is present, the bulb will be full brightness and hot so be sure it is not laying on the carpet or against a plastic door panel. Now you can unplug electrical connectors and move things around to see what makes the short go away. When it does, the bulb will get dim or go out.