Blinkers Stopped Working

[cubewhiz]

89 Ranger

At first I thought it was just the flasher switch, so I replaced it, but the problem was still there. I checked the fuse and it was spent, so I replaced it. However, every time I turn the truck to the ON position, the fuse blows. I tried doing it with the truck in neutral thinking that perhaps the reverse lights were the problem, but it blew like that anyway. How can I track down what is blowing the fuse? Even more importantly, how can I track it down without going through a million fuses?

Thanks.

 

[adsm08]

Check all the bulbs first.

If you don't find anything there take a meter, put it on resistance and hook it between the component side of the fuse slot and the battery ground and start unplugging things until it reads open.

EDIT: All the bulbs on that fuse have to be out before that test will work right.

 

[RonD]

The fuse connector has a power connection and a load connection.
If you remove the fuse and then turn on the key the power side will have 12v.
The load side would have 0v but it is the connection with the short in it so if you test that with an OHM meter to a Ground it should show 0 or very low OHMs, a short.

So you can test circuit that way without "going through a million fuses"

Most likely place for shorts in parking light circuits are trailer connections or the light bulb sockets

 

[PanamaExpat]

I have actually seen bulbs blow and fuse the filament mounts together especially in the cheap Chinese bulbs. That creates a short circuit and blows the fuse. If it just started doing it I agree with adsm look at the bulbs first.

Always look to the simplest cause first.

 

[naford]

So when you first start the truck the fuse blows or after you turn the flashers it blows? How about the emergency hazards with the engine off?

 

[cubewhiz]

So when you first start the truck the fuse blows or after you turn the flashers it blows? How about the emergency hazards with the engine off?

When turning key to "ON" (I don't even need to start engine), the fuse blows. I don't need even get the opportunity to hit the flashers.

Hazards work fine with engine on or off.