Cannot find elect. short PLEASE HELP

hars914 · 06-09-2002, 02:27 PM

OK Here is my problem.I am doing a ground up resto on a 71.After
painting I hooked up all electrical and everything worked.I just installed the new motor,battery and hooked up all remaining electrical items.My car is carbed and I installed a 911 dash with
gauges.I checked electrical one more time and noticed I had no low beams but had highs,I replaced relay and now have lows but no highs and also no click at the stalk.I also noticed #8 fuse blew.
I replaced fuse, turned on ignition and fuse blows.
I have low beams,parking lites,fogs,emerg. flashers,blower & horn.I do not have wipers, turn signals or brake lites.I removed all wires from #8 and re-installed until fuse blew.All wires were fine until I hooked the heavy black wire.It caused the fuse to blow.I traced it to the steering column.I then removed negative at battery and hookedup test light at battery and ground and test light glows. I started unplugging items to see if light goes out.I even disconnected plug at steering column and light stays on.I did notice if I turn on parking lites the test light gets brighter.I am at the end of my rope.Any help will be appreciated.THANKS

ejm914 · 06-09-2002, 03:24 PM

There is a problem with your otherwise good procedure to locate the short. The heavy black wire at fuse #8 that goes to the ignition switch is the power *source*. Until you hooked it up there was no power at the fuse. Try again with the black wire hooked up, key on, verify that you have power at the fuse and then you should be able to determine which of the four load wires on the other side of the fuse is causing it to blow. You can troubleshoot it further using the diagrams here: < http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/914_electrical_diagrams.htm >

hars914 · 06-10-2002, 03:26 AM

I did not do that.I hooked up al the other wires first.Then the black wire.
I will try tonight and let you know.Thanks