| Blown fuses when circuit not in use I have a problem with a Compact Utility Tractor ( CUT) that is sorta automotive related. The hazard and turn signal fuses blow even if the hazard lights and turn signals haven't been used. I suspect mice damage to the wiring but am trying to figure out where to look first. If the fuses are replaced the hazards and signals both work. Use the tractor for a 1/2 hour and both fuses are blown even thought neither lights were used. Any ideas ? |
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 neonhomerKK4BFNPremium
join:2004-01-27
Edgewater, FL
 ·RoadRunner Cable
| It's possible that circuit powers more than just the turn signals and flashers. Also, at least with motorcycles and cars, the hazard flasher circuit has power all of the time.
If it is blowing when the vehicle is not in use, it probably means the problem is between the fuse and the switch.
If it was before the fuse block, you would blow the main fuse/fusible link.
If it was after the switch, it would blow when turned on.
Hope this helps.
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"F is for Fire that burns down the whole town...
U is for Uranium...... Bombs...
N is for NO SURVIVORS!!!!!" Sheldon Plankton
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| The turn signals and hazard lamps are on two separate 5 amp fuses that only seem to effect those circuits. Your comment about a problem between the fuses and switches seems to make sense. Tail lights work fine but I'll have to investigate the brake lights. Thanks for the reply. |
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 rockotman...Blown On The Steel BreezeEmerging Research
join:2000-08-06
DSotM | reply to Waterbug
Knowing how a CUT vibrates, I would expect to find a wire with worn or pinched insulation somewhere between the fuse and the switch.
What make/model?
If you can get access to some wiring diagrams for your make and model, that will tell you where to start looking.
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Shine on you crazy diamond... |
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| said by rockotman:Knowing how a CUT vibrates, I would expect to find a wire with worn or pinched insulation somewhere between the fuse and the switch.
What make/model?
If you can get access to some wiring diagrams for your make and model, that will tell you where to start looking.
It's n '09 TYM 293 HST (29 HP, 3 cyl diesel, Hydrostatic 4 WD). I was thinking a mouse chew on the wiring. There isn't much distance between the fuses and the switches and the switches are on opposite sides of the dash. From the dash, the wires run together to the tail light assemblies. I have a schematic but schematics don't show actual wire locations (where the two circuits run parallel). |
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rockotman...Blown On The Steel BreezeEmerging Research
join:2000-08-06
DSotM | When you say that the fuse blows while it is running, I assume that this happens even if you have the lights/TS turned off. Is that the case?
If it is like my JD, the lighting circuit is not energized when the key is turned off. Is that the case?
If the answer to both of the above is yes, then I would be almost certain that the fault is in the wiring between the fuse and the switch.
If this is the case, your choices are as follows:
1. Dig into the harness and check the wire.
2. Bypass the harness with a new wire between the fuse and the switch.
Can you post a pic of the schematic? Depending on how it is configured, there is a possibility that it could be a switch that intermittently shorts internally.
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Shine on you crazy diamond... |
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| The hazards are energized any time that the switch is on. The ignition must be on for turn signals. I'm thinking that maybe the + side is always hot to the lamps and the grounds are switched by the flasher. In that case, the fuses might go directly to the lights and the switches apply ground through the flashers. I need to check out the schematic tomorrow. |
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KearnstdElf WizardPremium
join:2002-01-22
Mullica Hill, NJ | reply to Waterbug
do this test. pull out your multimeter, pull the fuse, disconnect the battery. set the meter to test to continuity and poke one end into a fuse contact and the other to ground(id imagine GND in a tractor is the same as a car, a good spot on the frame). on my meter at least no continuity makes it register 1.0 and a full short comes up 0.0.
Remember always disconnect the power when the meter is in this setting having power on the system is a bad thing.
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[65 Arcanist]Filan(High Elf) Zone: Broadband Reports |
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| reply to Waterbug
I finally got around to troubleshooting the problem. It turned out to be two intermittent shorts located between the fuse block and dashboard, where the harness passes through the firewall. The previous owner ran a hydraulic hose through the same hole as the harness and the vibration from the hose shorted the harness against the firewall. I relocated the hydraulic hose, repaired the harness and installed cat track on the edges of the hole. |
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