Number 9 Fuse Keeps Popping

[LewisTheBus]

I finally was able to get my bus moving and driving after ages of it sitting in garage. After a few short trips I had stopped and pulled the hand brake when
suddenly the number 9 fuse popped. I was no longer able to start the car, as it seems its integral to the ignition switch. I have checked all connections and
removed anything I have added since I once had it running to no avail. The fuses I replace continue to pop. Any suggestions?
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1977 2.0L FI Westy "Lewis"

[SGKent]

what does the owners's manual say is on that fuse?

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/77bus/77II-40.jpg
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[busdaddy]

[LewisTheBus]

The owner's manual states it as "accessory" which is where my conundrum started and was also the reason I had wired some other things onto that circuit, but even when removed it doesn't change. My gauge cluster is not currently secured properly and I heard the fuel gauge can short out on the car, could that be the culprit?it still seems odd that the "accessory" fuse controls ignition
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1977 2.0L FI Westy "Lewis"

[telford dorr]

The starting and ignition circuits are unfused, which means that the engine should start with all fuses removed. This means something is bogus in your wiring, and definitely non-stock. As such, you'll just have to track it down the hard way - inspect and trace everything. Download the schematic from Technical and get it printed (8.5 x 14) and laminated at Kinkos.

To make it easier, build one of these:

You'll need a headlight bulb (the Bus has two), a generic bulb socket, some wire and a couple of clips (from your nearby FLAPS). Remove the blown fuse, and clip this across the fuse contacts. The bulb will light up brightly until you find the short, at which point it should dim or go out completely. Disconnect and insulate the wires at the #15 (+) terminal of the coil to keep from cooking it while you conduct your search for the short.

Good luck.
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'71 panel, now with FI
'Experience' is the ability to recognize a mistake when you're making it again - Franklin P. Jones
In theory, theory works in practice; in practice, it doesn't - William T. Harbaugh
When you're dead, you don't know you're dead. The pain is only felt by others.
Same thing happens when you're stupid. - Philippe Geluck
More VW electrical at http://telforddorr.com/ (available 9am to 9pm PST)

[LewisTheBus]

Solved! Just a poor connection at the ignition switch, thanks for the help guys.
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1977 2.0L FI Westy "Lewis"

[telford dorr]

Doesn't explain why fuse 9 blew...
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'71 panel, now with FI
'Experience' is the ability to recognize a mistake when you're making it again - Franklin P. Jones
In theory, theory works in practice; in practice, it doesn't - William T. Harbaugh
When you're dead, you don't know you're dead. The pain is only felt by others.
Same thing happens when you're stupid. - Philippe Geluck
More VW electrical at http://telforddorr.com/ (available 9am to 9pm PST)

[mark d]

hey telford, that's a great trick. thks for passing on
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1972ish westfalia

"what good are tractors without violins ?" jose figueres

[LewisTheBus]

the only thing connected to the #9 fuse is a double connector with 2 red wires, one going to the headlight switch and one going to the ignition switch, when I fixed the connection the fuse stopped popping, do you think this is only temporary?
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1977 2.0L FI Westy "Lewis"

[vwwestyman]

Sounds like the previous owner did something funky! Maybe an attempt at a theft prevention device.
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Dave Cook

President, Wild Westerner Club

1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing