Keep blowing my dome light / lighter FUSE????

[Chris McDade]

Hey guys,
I keep blowing the dome light/ lighter fuse. I can put a new 30 amp fuse in there and it will last about 1/2 a day and then blow agian. Any ideas where to start looking???

Thanks in advance.

 

[zam70]

99.9% OF THE TIME, THERE IS EITHER SOMETHING IN THE LIGHTER SOCKET OR IT HAS A BAD ELEMENT. (damn cap lock)

Put in a fresh fuse and leave the lighter thingy out. See if that solves it.

 

[Chris McDade]

Thanks Zam70,
I will give that a try. Where can I get a new lighter at? Can you just pick one up at the local auto part store? What type?

Thanks in advance

 

[QuickWE4]

I've had the same problem on two Regals. Hot wire in back of the cig lighter is touching something. Those cig lighter elements can be found at any auto store, sometimes in the "help" rack. They were the same for most GM cars of that vintage.

By the way, that shouldn't be a 30 amp fuse..unless my memory is off.

Rich

 

[Chris McDade]

Thanks Rich,
I will trace that wire also. I think the fuse is 20 amp. I put a 30 in there hoping it wouln't pop, didn't help.

Thanks guys

 

[1970gsx]

Yes, look down inside the lighter socket and I bet one or both of the inside contacts are touching the outside "shell" of the socket. Just get a srewdriver and bend the contacts away(without the fuse installed) from touching and all will be well again.

 

[ijames]

Have you had the A-pillar apart, maybe to run wires for a gauge pod? I nicked the dome light wire with one of the screws and shorted it to ground.