Fuse keeps blowing...

[hca]

Hey all.
Having a problem with my no.3 fuse (windscreen wiper circuit). Basically it keeps blowing. Only started happening recently. Last April I fitted a stereo and a cigarette lighter to the ignition, but the problem has only started happening in the last month or so, so I don't think that's the cause. Any suggestions what to look for?
Thanks in advance.
h.

[bluemoontezza]

If it dont blow straight away its possibly a part of the loom thats shorting when your driving and it moves.
The way i used to check for this was to make up a test light(12v)disconnect fuse 3 and connect light to fuse way in place of the fuse.
If the lights off there is no short to earth,if lights on there is a short to earth---just carefully move looms etc to find where the problem is.
Tip:make the loom to the test light(2 meters)so you can take it with you around the car.
Fuse No 3
Wipers/Washers
Radio
Cigar lighter
Spose you could also disconnect above units one at a time
Hope the above helps
Terry

[shamm]

Check the wires around the heater controls.
Had mine come loose once and the heater controls sliced into the wires and shorted them out.

[hca]

Wise words indeed. Turning the heater up to full blast blows the fuse every time. Looks like I just need to get behind there with some electrical tape! I don't have the tools to test the circuits unfortunately, but it looks like we've got to the bottom of things. Thanks for your help guys.

[Jeremy Oxton]

If you are using original 35A fuses, the wires must have had hard times. They often tend to burn before the fuse does. I'm using 20-25A fuses with no problems. Definitely some sort of shortcut in there.