Electrical, tail light instrument panel fuse keeps blowing

BSANDUSKY

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC

My tail lights and dash fuse keeps blowing. I have traced the wires from the lights to the dash found no visible damage. I don't think the dimmer switch is bad because the fuse blows before the switch is active that and all of the other lights controlled by the switch are active. As soon as key is engaged the fuse pops I have no idea where to look under the hood can you point me in the right direction? And also give me an idea of what to look for? Again this is a dual bulb tail and brake. Brake works tail doesn't different fuses can a bad socket cause the fuse to blow?

2 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

A bad socket can cause it but there are also lights in the front check those as it's the same circuit. Check for a short there especially if recently in an accident.

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Saturday, February 14th, 2015 AT 6:05 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Yep, HMAC300 is right one of the sockets can melt or the bulbs can melt causing the fuse to blow. Please go over this guide to see what I am talking about.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/no-tail-lights-exterior-running-lights-tail-lights-out

Here is the wiring diagrams for the running light system so you can see how it works. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to make bigger)