Blown Fuse / Instrument Cluster / Where To Start

[wench]

My '93 90-CS keeps blowing the 5 amp fuse for the instrument cluster. Also on that circuit are: License plate light, A/C illumination light, high speed idle or something like that, engine compartment light and possibly another.

The car runs fine, but obviously night driving is the problem here. Anyone have a similar problem? If so, what did you check first. My local mechanic's first thought was that there may be a short in or around the trunk lid. He's an Audi guy so for right now I've made an appointment with him.

Whaddayathink?

[stuart]

My specialist agrees with the guy's comments, there is a short somewhere. Does it blow the fuse straight away?

Where the wiring transfers from the trunk lid to the main body of the car, the wires usually pass through ruber tubes, and with the opening/closing of the lid the wires do perish and break, which will cause a short.

Stuart

[wench]

Well, that's 2 for 2 with the specialists. It seems like a simple enough ordeal to get through.

There is a little history with the blown fuse, however. When I test drove the car initially, it was daytime and very sunny. I don't remember turning on the lights. Later that night was when I noticed. I didn't have a spare 5 amper so I replaced it with a 10. ( I know, I know ) That did the trick and I drove it that way for a few weeks. No problem. But then the problem recurred and now it instantly blows both 5s and 10s. I hope I didn't screw something up.

sigh...

Anyway, thanks once again, Stuart, for coming to the rescue.

[stuart]

No problem, here to help if I can......

If it is a broken wire in the tube, it is just a case of a repair to the wiring, not a major job to do.

Stuart

[Boydy]

Hi there Stuart
Boydy here, 1st timer on here from Inverness,I have a 1994 Audi 80 Avant which also has the same problem as this,It has been frustrating me for some time now as mine also blows 5 & 10 amp fuses.
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction to sort it.
This site is a god send..keep up the great work
Thanks Boydy