My sterio is eating fuses! Problem when lights are switched on

[s13_silvia_k]

I've installed my Pioneer unit into my Silvia, but whenever I turn the lights on I blow the light fuse (10amp in the fuse box).

What could be causing this? The sterio works fine, ONLY when I turn the lights on!!

Andrew

[Chris Rogers]

fix the earth you have and tape off the light feeds to the radio.


sounds like you have used a light wire for the radio earth. problem is the radio is earthed on the case to the car and turning on the lights causes the fuse to blow.

check your wiring - failing that take it to a shop and get it done properly.

[s13_silvia_k]

There's a light wire??? Where's this suppose to go, to 12v?

Hmm, I did check all the wires with my multimeter, but will go through it again. THIS time i'll buy some spare fuses BEFORE I blow them up at night.

Cheers

[Chris Rogers]

it goes no where.
if you have a orange wire on the pioneer tie it to that.

[Taylz]

FWIW I've had this exact problem myself, I wired the headunits ground into the factory loom, instead of to the chassis.
I inadvertantly wired it to the light circuit (into the factory stereo), and kept popping light fuses whenever I turned the lights on.
I thought I had the right wire, because I did a continuity check with a known ground source to this wire (while the ignition and lights were off) and had good continuity.
I solved this by running ground directly to the chassis (one of the headunits mounting bolts).

Hope this helps.

[VT Calais]

I third that motion. Your problem will be that you've connected the ground to the illumination wire. When you turn on the lights the neg turns pos and creates a short which in turn blows the fuse. Just screw the ground to the chassis.

[s13_silvia_k]

Originally posted by VT Calais
I third that motion. Your problem will be that you've connected the ground to the illumination wire. When you turn on the lights the neg turns pos and creates a short which in turn blows the fuse. Just screw the ground to the chassis.

THANKS EVERYONE!!

Yes, changed the ground to the chassis and all is working fine!!

THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!