Tondar

Hello fellas,

I have following problem:
My fuse (#44 or #45 7.5amp) for instrument panel keep burning out. I replaced it already 3 times. Each has worked for 3-4 days and then was out. As I understand there might be a grounding or shortage issue. Looking for advices on how to locate and fix the problem.

Appreciate you help in advance.

bob2200

This could be a tough one.

A schematic is almost essential to isolate the problem. You can get one on one of those CD-ROM manuals they sell on eBay, or subscribe to one of the on-line services. There probably are connectors that will allow you to disconnect parts of the circuit.

Can you figure what you did that caused the fuse to blow? Like night driving, headlights, sharp left turn, etc.?

I would definitely not suggest bypassing the fuse and looking for smoke!

salimshah

Can you narrow down as to what triggers the fuse to pop? It seems that it does not pop as you put a new one in.

Salim

canoefish

Any ideas on this one? I just started having this same problem in my RX300. I have owned it for about 3 months. Only difference is that my fuse blows right away. Looking for ideas of where to start looking.

salimshah

Typically this happens after some instrument panel work has been done. A hot wire typically gets pinches and shorts out.

The other times, it is some electrical add on which is drawing more current than safely be supplied.

Salim

JAB

On mine, I think the problem was related to a loose cigarette lighter socket which would short out when my cell phone charger was plugged in then jiggled around.

bob2200

I have taken the cigarette lighter socket apart and put it back together again, and it is rather easy to do. (I didn't take any photos.). The reason for taking it apart was to switch it from one console piece to another.

salimshah

I have not had a need to check, but some how I thought the cigarette lighter is on another circuit with its own fuse.

Salim

rfakinbile

I will suggest you employ the services of a competent auto electrician so as not to further compound the problem.

Tondar

Well, I replaced it again. It has lived for about 5 days, blew again. But now when I put a fresh one it blows right away when I turn on the ignition. I didn't do anything particular and cant track what causes the problem. Looks like gotta go to auto techs, but before I use their expensive services, any thoughts on where to look for the problem ( I mean what section of the car)?
Thanks guys,

lexus114

Their is one more thing you can try,as a last resort,and I don`t recommend it.Put in a really high fuse,and search for smoke,or a smell,and be ready to pull the fuse out quickly.I had a similar problem with my last vehicle,the beloved 87 Mercedes 300E.Only I used a paper clip to find the problem,due to being extremely frustrated by that point.Well it worked,smoked like hell,and I found the problem.It was under the fuse box,a mouse or something chewed the insulation off of two wires,and they would simply short out ,like your describing here.(like I said,if you choose to try this,have someone with you to help you search)but remember,I got lucky,you can do some serious damage in doing this.
Ryan

salimshah

^^ can potentially be disastrous as the damage can be fire, burnt harness etc etc.

When people post, they sort of expect to see if some one else had similar problem. Poor insulation is not a problem for Lexus (unlike BMW).

The probable causes seem to be {once you eliminate work being done** cigarette lighter and rodent.

Safe approach would be to contact the dealer (just because they have the circuit and know how of how the wiring has been done). You may be able to get reduced labor rates from other places, but it may take them longer to diagnose.

Salim

lexus114

tondar,how did you make out?

RayN

Check your headlight bulb low and high beam harness.

canoefish

Where you able to find the source of this? Just curious, I have not gone digging yet to see if I can find the source of mine.

Mine pops immediately when I put the fuse in.