RX300 - Instrument Panel Fuse keep blowing
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: WA
RX300 - Instrument Panel Fuse keep blowing
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.
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.
Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
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!
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!
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,592
Likes: 1,399
From: Austin, TX
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.
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.
Salim
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: MN
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.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,592
Likes: 1,399
From: Austin, TX
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
The other times, it is some electrical add on which is drawing more current than safely be supplied.
Salim
Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
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.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: WA
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,
Thanks guys,
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
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
Ryan
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,592
Likes: 1,399
From: Austin, TX
^^ 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
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
