I have a 2001 Ford Focus Wagon. About a year ago I started having an issue with my tail lights (not brake lights) and my instrument panel lights not working. The fuse # is 32 on the panel and it's a # 10 fuse. The fuse gets blown and then my tail lights and instrument panel stop working. This can happen at any time, not specific to hitting a bump in the road, or rain or anything. I asked Ford dealership about it and they said it's probably an exposed wire and they would charge me at least 500 bucks just to look for the problem and that they might not fix it even then. I decided I could buy a lot of fuses for that much money. Problem is, now even changing the fuse doesn't help. When I change it, it blows right away and I never get tail lights or dash lights. Any ideas that cost less then 500 bucks and will in fact work?
Your problem is you have a Hot Wire touching ground.I know this for sure! The quwstion is where is it?the cause of the problem. It can be fixed but you would have to have a lot of patience.Try using your nose,sniff out the smell of burned copper under the dash or in the trunk area if you can smell it you can find it.Up the rating of the fuse go 15 then 20 then 25 see if it still blows it shoud. I wished I were near you man I love these problems.Good luck!
SOURCE: I have a 2000 Ford Focus Wagon. tail light and instrument panel
i have a 2000 focus wagon and had the same problem. It's not the fuse! It's the wiring harness at the point where it leaves the body and goes into the hatch. When the hatch is opened and closed repeatedly after years the wires will break with constant bending. I had to solder together 7 wires and the problem was solved. It's a lot cheaper than replacing the entire wiring harness.
4,170 views
Usually answered in minutes!
Thanks, that was exactly where the issue was. We had some wires replaced/repaired in the rear harness and no more problem.
disconnect the harness to rear lights and see if the short goes away, if so pull the rear section of the wiring harness out and look for cuts or damage..
×