1997 Toyota Corolla Dash and Tail lights.

Tiny
ADAMIANO86
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
1997 Toyota Corolla CE 1.6L. So the other night I'm driving along and my dash lights go out, which also takes my tail lights with it. I find the fuse, replace it, and it pops again. I disconnected the running lights in the front and put a new fuse it, still blew it. I couldn't find a short in the wiring anywhere in the tail lights, all the wiring looked solid. Also, the fuse will blow when I just turn the switch to the first on position, not even turning the headlights all the way on. Any suggestions?
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 AT 6:51 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
When fuses blow quickly, it is a short to ground. The only way to fix is to trace wires and look for frayed insulation.

Did you install LED lights on the car? I would check the sockets incase one of them has melted the connections together.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 AT 5:55 AM
Tiny
ADAMIANO86
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Yeah I thought it was a short to ground somewhere too - no modifications have been done to this car, it was just a sudden thing - I can eliminate the tail lights because I had them completely off with the lights out and it would still throw it, and I checked the wiring all the way back and it looked good. I'm thinking it has it has to be somewhere in the front, but I've looked where I can see the wires to the side markers and turn signals and I've had those bulbs out as well, so I guess like you said it would have to be shorting somewhere, could it possibly be in the switch itself? Or do you have any specific places that would be good to look for frayed wires?
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 AT 6:08 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
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Yes, since it happened quickly, I would put the switch at top of list.

Short to grounds, are generally caused by exhaust leaks, which burn insulation on wire, or you add accesorries to car and inadvertantly cause a short when drilling holes in unibody or use a screw to secure a bracket or something.

You didn't run over something, like a tree limb or debris in the road?
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 AT 6:37 AM
Tiny
ADAMIANO86
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No, just normal everyday driving, I think I have a few more things to check but thanks for the input.
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 AT 7:30 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
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Good luck and let us know what you find.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 AT 6:07 AM

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