tail light fuse shorting

[choco]

all my tail lights are not working. i have located the fuse for the tail lights, when i took it out it was blown. so i put a new one in. but it shorts really bad, sparks etc... how do i find the short. do i test the two connector blocks at the back or something or do i have to take out the loom and see is there any open wires, any help welcome, its wrecking my head.

[Ivan141]

Your taillight fuse is also the fuse for the defogger, radio, heater control, licence plate lights etc. Best start by unplugging some of the simpler stuff behind the dash. Have you been working on the cars electrics lately?

[choco]

great thanks it was shorting behind the radio. the rear lights working now, except the brake lights dont come on when i press the brake pedal. are they on the same fuse, circuit?

[Ivan141]

The brakelights have a dedicated fuse called "STOP" (15A). Looks like there's not much else taking power through that one, so either your bulbs have mysteriously both blown the brakelight coils (highly unlikely, not impossible),
or possibly a faulty brakelight switch. Best bet (as always) is a blown fuse.
If you cant fix it, let me know.

[choco]

perfect thanks all ok now, just downloaded the service manual too.