Fuse blows everytime I replace it?

[solidusjoe]

Alright, once again I grace your forums with my problems :P. My 1993 Saturn SL1's 20A fuse blew in the number 20 slot(LOCKS) one day and there was a good amount of white smoke that flowed out of the spot where the shifter and ash tray is, it smelled like an electrical fire and that freaked me out at the time. Anyways, I decided to check the fuses after discovering my locks weren't functioning and sure enough the fuse was blown. So I head over to Wal-Mart grab a pack of 20A fuses and replace it. Immediately upon trying to use the locks the fuse blows and that smoke started coming out again. Hoping that it was just a fluke or a bad fuse I try one more time, same deal. Is there a short or something?

It definitely seems to be an electrical problem . I won't be owning this car much longer as I plan on selling it however without the locks working I fear it will greatly cripple the amount of prospective buyers.

Has anyone experienced anything like this that can give me some guidance as to what needs to be done and/or how much it will cost?

Thank you all for all the help you've already given me.

[amazinghl]

You have a short.

[solidusjoe]

Originally Posted by amazinghl

You have a short.

So then any answers to my other questions? What I have to do? Can I do it myself? If not, how much does getting it fixed usually cost?

If it is too much I'll just ask for less on the car when I sell it but I don't want to set someone up for a fall either. Can this move on to affect the rest of the car?

[madpogue]

You'll cut the search in half by determining whether the fuse blows when you try to unlock or when you try to lock (or both). Also, try disconnecting all the lock actuators, and reconnecting them one at a time until the fuse blows again.

[bobc455]

A "short" is usually caused by:
1) A wire which is rubbing against a piece of metal and has worn through the insulation
2) A positive wire touching a ground wire (or a piece of metal)
3) A faulty device, such as a broken switch
4) a plug which has fallen off its device, and is now dangling around and touching things that it shouldn't

How to find these:
1) Start taking the car apart until you observe the problem (probably the most time consuming method).
2) Check various circuits with a continuity tester. A wiring diagram will help you select the most logical wires to check, depending on the fuse that is blowing.
3) Bring it to a dealer or automotive electrical shop and pay them to find the problem.

The solution is usually quite simple once you find it:
1) Replace the broken component
2) Cover the exposed wire in electrical tape
3) Plug the dangling wire back in
etc.

It can definately be done yourself, depending on your skill level and patience.

-Bob Cunningham

[solidusjoe]

Well then, I will probably take a look at it a bit then. If I can't find it easily I'll probably just take it in some place. Thanks again guys.

[DonP]

Smoke, and not from the fuse! There is a reasonable chance that the short is where the smoke originates, so start your hunt there. Look for discolored wires, possibly pinched by something.