Fuse 6 (wipers/horn) keeps blowing

[BenW]

As subject. For some reason this fuse keeps blowing, each time being replaced with the correct 30A fuse, but each new one doesn't last very long before blowing again. I don't think it's related to the horn, so will discount that for now - everytime it's happened it's been raining

I assume therefore there's a fault/short circuit in the wiring to the wipers - but where on earth to start looking? I am an electro-phobe you see!

Any advice appreciated. It's a 1990 Cavalier SRI, so I guess identical-ish to a Calibra.

Cheers
Ben

[leegsi]

Mine used to do this.

The wipper motor starts to seize and draw more and more current.

Expect to need a new wiper motor in the next few weeks

[BenW]

Thanks Lee. I did try to swap it out for the one in my Kadett (known working) but sadly it's got the wrong connector.

For what it's worth, I've been spending the last couple of hours trying to trace the fault, and it did still blow with the wiper motor disconnected completely It now seems to blow simply after a few minutes of driving, not just when the wipers or horn are used. Any chance the wiper motor could draw the current even if the wipers aren't being used at that moment?

In fact, the last time it blew, was almost instantly after the engine was started, having first disconnected the horn push - god only knows if this is related, but I'm guessing it's just a coincidence.

I'm very confused!

[vicky80]

OK well we've changed the wiper motor, all appeared to be fine last night. Today however the fuse blew again! Have now replaced the wiper stalk - still no luck! Starting to really annoy us now! Does anyone have any suggestions as to what we should try next? All help gratefully received as I think Ben wants his car back!!!!

[IanW]

I would start checking for a short or something along those lines now.

[BenW]

Thanks Ian. It's going to be a painful process, being such an electrics-monkey, but I'll give that a bash next

[IanW]

I am sure Vicky will say not to rush, I am sure she is enjoying driving the Calibra.

If i was a bit more local i would give you a hand running through it, but it is worth spending the time working it all through. Fatz might be able to offer you some tips about what to check.

[vicky80]

Thanks Ian!

I am enjoying driving the Calibra but do really need my car back to get to work!

[vicky80]

OK so today Ben tried the rear wiper motor, the relays the horn and then him and a friend whos a mechanic spent all afternoon checking the wiring. No faults/shorts found and the fuse keeps blowing? Really confussed and desperately need my car back now!!

[BenW]

...so do I

[vicky80]

Ok next step is to get an auto-electrician to have a look. Can anyone in the Basingstoke/Tadley area recommend someone?

[BenW]

FIXED!

An auto electrician sorted it in the end - the cause was a wire shorting on the clutch cable. £30-odd quid to fix, result.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice, on here and in the chatroom!

[vicky80]

Was going to post this but Ben beat me to it! As Ben said thanks to everyone who offered help and advice!

(I miss the Calibra though!!)

[IanW]

So what your really saying is Ben + Electrics = Useless [img]/tongue.gif[/img]

Glad it is all sorted though Vicky [img]/biggrin.gif[/img]

[BenW]

<!--QuoteBegin-IanW+--><div class='quotetop'>(IanW)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteEBegin-->So what your really saying is Ben + Electrics = Useless [img]/tongue.gif[/img]<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
By his own admission! [img]/tongue.gif[/img]