01 headlights, tail lights, no dash or center console...headlight switch?

[xj2001jz]

Switch is good, checked with meter but the #6 fuse in the junction box keeps blowing. I looked at a wire diagram but don't know where to go from here. There is an old alarm on the car (viper) or perhaps the trailer wiring? Do you guys happen to have any idea of where to go from here? Thanks for any advice!

[joe_peters]

A few different ways to go about it.

Buy a large box of appropriate size fuses. Unplug one thing at a time from the circuit then see if the fuse blows. Replace fuse and keep removing items as many times as it takes to locate the short/excessive draw.

Buy a short circuit locator, remove one item at a time until the circuit breaker stops tripping. Short circuit locator: http://www.amazon.com/KD-Tools-2524-...33642&sr= 8-1

Unhook the trailer wiring, that is a common problem area.

Remove the alarm system if you aren't using it/it doesn't function.

Some combination of all of the above.

[xj2001jz]

joe_peters,

when you say unplug one thing at a time, what does that mean? unplug the fuses? or unplug something else?

Thanks a lot for writing back, this is frustrating to me who know nothing about electronics,circuits, etc.

[joe_peters]

One thing, like unplugging connectors or removing lamp bulbs--like that. You can drop in at the parts store and pick up a circuit breaker, usually hanging up in the electrical section, equivalent in rating to the fuse that keeps blowing so you don't keep frying the fuses, or get the short locator kit.

Electrical is always time consuming. There are some tools--expensive--that send out a signal through a circuit and you use a receiver to locate the problem.

Check the contacts on the headlight switch. Those contacts/connectors like to melt, as does the HVAC switch and ignition switch. Really poor engineering there.

[xj2001jz]

joe_peters,

Thank you very much, I will post the results after I have time this weekend! Enjoy yours!

[joe_peters]

Ok, hope you find it quick and can enjoy your weekend too.

Good luck.

[The Lure Washer]

Ok heres what happened with my 90 renix when this happened. Open the hood and look at the starter relay one of wires on the post is for the lights. I just removed the nut and tried each wire till I found the one for the lights. I found it and replaced the ring connector on it. Put everything back on there and the lights havent gone out since!