tracking down cause of blown fuse

[dberger8]

hello, Don here, new to this forum. I have a 65 beetle that keeps blowing the right side tail light fuse. whenever I turn on lights it blows instantly, any suggestions on how to track the cause? thanks

[Cusser]

[dberger8]

thank you cusser. I was finagling under the hood because the left side low beam wasn't working. got that fixed but now I'm thinking I must have moved or disturbed other wiring that caused this new problem. the same fuse is connected to the horn, blinkers and a few other things. I think the problem is under the hood in the front somewhere.

[hitest]

Get a wiring diagram in front of you and trace each circuit involved- and take a close look at the "58" output of your light switch. I agree with Cusser- you must have a hot lead dead shorted somewhere.
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[dberger8]

thank you, will try that

[runamoc]

Replace the fuse with a test light across both of the tabs. Because you have a short it will 'light' up. As you remove bulbs and wiggle wires you may see the test light go out. You've found the short without having a pile of blown fuses.
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Daily driver: '69 Baja owned 44 yrs - Plan B: '81 Rabbit Diesel LS Deluxe - Plan C: '72 Ghia
Yard Art: 2 Sandrails
Outback: '69 Ghia - '68,'69,'70,'72 Beetle - '84 Scirocco, GTI - Pair of '02 Golfs-
VW Wiring = It's just wires

[dberger8]

thank you runamoc, will purchase a test light and try it. I appreciate the help!

[dberger8]

hella again, runamoc. the fuse that blows only happens when I pull the light switch on. not sure if you thought it blowing as soon as I inserted it, regardless of the light switch position. do I still test it the same way?

[WADVR]

Yes that circuit is switched with the headlamp switch so it makes sense that it only blows the fuse when turned on. I would start with the license plate wire and bulb socket as that circuit splits on the fire wall and powers it as well. You could also use that connect to isolate the tail light and the plate light to test. .

good luck
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- 67 Beetle Full Resto Project
- 66 Beetle “Parts Car” Project

[runamoc]

[dberger8]

thanks, I will try that tomorrow. test light did go on between fuse terminals like you said. will try the one at a time method. what ever one makes the test light go off is the culprit, correct? thanks for the help, hope I'm not a pain in the butt

[runamoc]

[dberger8]

hi again, the light goes out when I pull the wire off of the top connector closest to the front of the car. it then splits with one end going to the fuel gauge light and the other going to the 3rd fuse position from the passenger side. there is a wire exiting the fuse block meeting with a bunch of other wires wrapped up heading into the driver side fender well. not sur what to do from here. no jiggling makes the light go out. guess ill have to take it to a shop, thanks for your help

[KTPhil]

Post a pic of the fusebox connections in the area you are troubleshooting. Often POs rewire and relocate wires, so we can't tell just form the wiring diagram.

[rcmartinez63]

I have my electric fuel pump on my 62 Vert, wired to the fuse that controls my signal lights and for what ever reason as soon as I turn on the ignition the fuse blows.
Any suggestions as to why? Was working perfectly fine and started after I changed my rear taillight bulb.

[Cusser]

[EVfun]

[Crew Dad]

[EVfun]

[nlorntson]

Just checking that you are aware of the wiring diagrams for your car:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/wiringt1.php