c2 blown fuse

[paul voyles]

On my 1964 I have blown the top fuse, (10 amp) marked brake alarm-gas gauge-tail lamps. Replaced it, and it blew immediately when I turned the ignition on. The tail lights still work, also the turn signals and brake lights, even with the blown fuse. The brake alarm light does not, neither does the gas gauge and water temp gauge. The wiring diagram shows an 18B/LG wire and an 18B/P wire coming off of the fuse panel for that fuse. On the diagram, the 18B/LG looks like it splits off to 3 20B/P wires and 1 18B/P wire. Looking at the wiring diagram, I cannot see where those wires are supposed to go. I have disconnected the fuel gauge at the tank, and also the parking brake wire. Still blows the fuse. I also disconnected the body connecter under the dash which goes to the rear of the car, and it blows the fuse with that diconnected, so that makes me think the problem is in the wiring from the connecter to the fuse panel? I need some HELP!! Can someone point me in the right direction to find the problem?

Thanks,
Paul

[Stephen L.]

Re: c2 blown fuse

Thats difficult to troubleshoot as I don't have a 64 wiring diagram.

I do have a 67 wiring diagram and possibly things are similiar...

On a 67.....
Top fuse feeds:
1. Backup light switch. (Can be disconnected at the firewall under the hood)
2. Fuel sender unit (Disconnect at body connector. You did this already)
3. Fuel gage (Disconnect at gage itself)
4. Parking brake alarm light (Remove bulb from socket)
5. Temp gage (Disconnect at gage itself)

I would test using a VOM.

1. Disconnect battery AND key off
2. Pull problem fuse and connect VOM to right lug of fuse holder and ground.

You'll probably read close to zero ohms
3. Disconnect above items, one at a time, and check meter for an increase in

ohms. When you observe that, then follow that wiring/device until you find

the source of the short (low/zero ohms)

If your wiring is original or in poor condition you probably have a chafed wire somewhere in one of those circuits

[Paul Voyles]

Re: c2 blown fuse

I found my back up switch wire had gotten onto the exhaust, melted, and shorted out. It was actually burned in two places. I repaired the first bare spot I saw, and still blew a fuse. I checked it again, and sure enough, it still was grounded. Found the other bare spot, and now all is okay! Thanks for your help.

Paul