Blown Brake Fuses

[RAM325ic]

[FONT=Times][SIZE=1]My 92 325ic (E30) was rear-ended about a year ago. Only a 10mph tap but it required a new rear panel be put in. At first, no problems, then I would get the "check" warning for break lights and occasionally the brake fuse would blow (#6). About 4 months ago, things went from bad to worse. "Check" brake light started to come on all the time and the fuse would blow frequently. Took it to my favorite (independant) mechanic who had the car for weeks, trying to solve the problem. He replaced the brake light switch (at pedal) and ran an continuity test (he says) on all wires from the fuse box to the lights themselves. Even exposed the harnass from fuse box to trunk looking for exposed or damaged wires but couldn't find anything. Still fuses would blow. Then he cleaned up all the contacts and ... it stopped blowing fuses. He kept the car for a few more days to make sure and then returned to car to me. Everything was fine for 3 days but now...back to the same problem. Fuse blows the instant you touch the brake. Any guidance would be appreciated.

[guywithblack88e30]

an easy way but not for smart way is use a higher wattage fuse

[wcleafs]

Originally posted by RAM325ic@Mar 27 2005, 07:08 PM
[FONT=Times][SIZE=1]My 92 325ic (E30) was rear-ended about a year ago. Only a 10mph tap but it required a new rear panel be put in. At first, no problems, then I would get the "check" warning for break lights and occasionally the brake fuse would blow (#6). About 4 months ago, things went from bad to worse. "Check" brake light started to come on all the time and the fuse would blow frequently. Took it to my favorite (independant) mechanic who had the car for weeks, trying to solve the problem. He replaced the brake light switch (at pedal) and ran an continuity test (he says) on all wires from the fuse box to the lights themselves. Even exposed the harnass from fuse box to trunk looking for exposed or damaged wires but couldn't find anything. Still fuses would blow. Then he cleaned up all the contacts and ... it stopped blowing fuses. He kept the car for a few more days to make sure and then returned to car to me. Everything was fine for 3 days but now...back to the same problem. Fuse blows the instant you touch the brake. Any guidance would be appreciated.

[snapback]319671[/snapback]

quite the interesting problem, a couple of ideas here.
remove the bulb and see if you blow a fuse when you hit the brake pedal.
if it does then the problem is in the brake switch or wiring to your actual socket.
if it doesnt then the problem is with the socket with the bulb inserted and a possible short to ground in the socket.
If you have some wire laying around and a old bulb socket from the wreckers
make up a little test jig. remove the wire that runs to the lights from the brake switch and put this wire in its place hit the brake pedal and see if a fuse blows if not then it will confirm your problem is in the wiring or bulb socket.
with a multimeter, go between ground and the positive wire and look for grounds. any reading other than infinite will indicate a ground.

you can use the olde higher amp fuse which will eventually show you the location of the fault. easy indicators will be the smoke and possible flames.

good luck on it

[RAM325ic]

Thanks for the tips. We went with a 10amp fuse (7.5 is normal)...blew those as well. Also checked all of the bulbs ....they are factory bulbs. Going back to the shop today for another round with the same mechanic (already paid him to fix this !). Will post updates when I get them.