Blown 5 amp interior light fuse, ok to temporarily replace with 8 amp?

[mlfox]

'83 SC, changing the trunk struts today. Unplugged the trunk light connector while changing the passenger side strut, and when reconnected, the trunk light, interior lights did not work and engine ran like crap.

I found the yellow 5 amp interior light fuse blown and of course I had no spare.

Will I be in trouble replacing it with a white 8 amp until I obtain a spare?

Thanks, and regards,

mlfox

[cabmandone]

I wouldn't. My car had the interior light wiring melt down because someone put in a bigger fuse than was called for. The interior light wiring is VERY thin gauge.

[RSBob]

Bet the fuse which blew is for the oxygen sensor too. Since all was fine prior to disconnecting the trunk light chances are good the source of your problem is that the hot lead to it is frayed or touching ground. I am no expert but would say you could temporarily run a higher amp fuse as long as you DO NOT RECONNECT the trunk light. I would first Investigate the trunk light wiring to determine the cause and repair. No warranties are expressed or implied by doing this. As the previous poster stated frying wires can be an extremely repair so use extreme caution. If in doubt of your skills, don't put in another fuse

[fred cook]

Before going to a higher rated fuse, I would measure the amperage being pulled on the circuit. You can do this with a volt/ohm meter with amperage setting or with an old amp gauge with a couple of leads attached.

[mlfox]

As you suggested, I carefully checked the trunk light wire and saw no defects, fraying, etc. I believe that while disconnected, I carelessly grounded the trunk light's hot lead which blew the fuse.

You are correct in that the same fuse does appear to handle the Jetronic brain's circuit, thus the cause of the engine problem.

I did temporarily install the 8 amp fuse. The trunk light and interior lights functioned as they should, and the engine ran great again as well. I parked the SC and pulled the fuse.

A replacement 5 amp fuse is on order, and I'm not planning to drive until it's installed.

Many thanks for everyone's guidance.

Regards,
mlfox

Originally Posted by RSBob

Bet the fuse which blew is for the oxygen sensor too. Since all was fine prior to disconnecting the trunk light chances are good the source of your problem is that the hot lead to it is frayed or touching ground. I am no expert but would say you could temporarily run a higher amp fuse as long as you DO NOT RECONNECT the trunk light. I would first Investigate the trunk light wiring to determine the cause and repair. No warranties are expressed or implied by doing this. As the previous poster stated frying wires can be an extremely repair so use extreme caution. If in doubt of your skills, don't put in another fuse

[Ozzydog]

I just replaced my windshield, 89 SC ROW, and now the clock & interior lights quit. Found #18 5 amp fuse blown, of course can't find extras because of recent move, but have ordered restocking from our host. I didn't notice any difference in performance.