[gUmBaLL68Malibu]

We have a 1997 saturn that we don't drive all that often and lately it has been blowing the tailight/instrument light fuse. This will be the second time it has done it. It rained today if that makes a difference. We have had problems with the passenger side taillight and have replaced the bulb. Thanks in advance.

Sorry i don't have much info but this car is like an alien to me.

 

[John_Muha]

Sorry but without a schematic, I can't come up with a guess. Typically there is more than one item tied to a fuse. Don't know what is tied to that one. The method I use is to unplug items, that are tied to that fuse, and see which one stops the popping.

 

[gUmBaLL68Malibu]

Well the problem i have is, i have no idea why its even blowing. It will work for a few days then we go out to the car after its been sitting a few days and its blown. Its not like i put in the fuse and it blows immediatly it is blowing after sitting for awhile.

 

[John_Muha]

Highly intermittent problems are the worst to chase. There’s no great method. First thing I would do is get a schematic for that vehicle. Then you would have a better chance of finding it. Unplugging things or wiggling cables sometimes helps. However, without knowing what that fuse runs, it’s pretty hard to do.

 

[gUmBaLL68Malibu]

Update, it will blow the fuse when we turn the car over. I have a chilton book on this thing, but the wiring is FAR more complex than the chevelle

If anyone has any ideas let me know.

 

[John_Muha]

It’s really not more complicated than the Chevelle. It just has more stuff. If the fuse pops each time you turn on the car, actually better for you.
First thing I would do is find that fuse on the schematic. Then trace the wire from the fuse to every item it goes to. Guessing you will see it go to the headlight switch. What other items does it go to? Can you make a list?

 

[gUmBaLL68Malibu]

It goes to the headlight switch, it goes from the headlight switch to the dash lights, cigarrette lighter (light), and tail lights. I don't have the chilton in front of me but thats what i remember, i will grab it and bring it into work tomorrow.

 

[John_Muha]

Never worked on a Saturn but check the schematic carefully. If Saturn uses the same wiring method as the other GM divisions:
Sounds like that fuse goes directly to the headlight switch THEN from the headlight switch it goes to the tail lights and dash lights. It can't go directly to the tail lights otherwise they would be on all the time.
1, See if that fuse (and its wire) goes directly to anything else. Follow it around on the schematic. They may show another junction where it heads off someplace else.
2, When you turn on the car does the fuse blow before you turn on the lights? If it does it's not a problem with the tail lights or dash lights. These would not have power (or be shorted) without the switch being turned on.

 

[gUmBaLL68Malibu]

You are right about the headlight switch i am sure. Will get book and check it over tomorrow.

I only had one fuse left when i stuck it in, and we had the lights on when we started the car, and we cranked it, it started then when we let the key go back to the on position it blew. (on as in car was on not engaging starter)

 

[John_Muha]

See if there is a fuse between the headlight switch and the dash/cigarette lighter lamp. You should be able to look at one of the dash lamps and follow that wire back to the fuse if there is one.

 

[gUmBaLL68Malibu]

Ok, i will check it out tonight or tomorrow, i will get back to you. Thanks a bunch for all the help so far.

 

[gUmBaLL68Malibu]

Doh i forgot to grab the book today, it will have to be tomorrow.

 

[Steve S]

I suggest that you get a circuit breaker that is the same rating as the fuse. Probably can't get one that will plug directly in but you can use a blown fuse to solder wires from to the CB. Will save a lot of fuses and maybe speed up the diagnosis. Generally a CB will take longer to open up and you can fell the wire harness for heat.