Intermittent short: How do you find those?
Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 2:32 pm
I have an intermittent short that I just can't seem to find. Happens randomly while driving, I can hear the arc or snap and then the fuse goes. No relation to turning, turn signal use, brakes, stopping, starting etc. Sometimes when sitting at a light, "click" and fuse pops, othertimes driving down the road. Can't go more than 15 miles without using a fuse. Also, I never use the wipers or headlights.
Here's the set up. '61 bug, converted to 12 volt. No radio. It's always the first fuse in the box (the one that's hot when ignition is on), the left hand one nearest the steering column. That circuit has my oil pressure gauge, tachometer, fuel pump and in the engine compartment, that wire goes to a relay with direct power from the voltage regulator to run my electronic ignition & coil. All the gauges otherwise work normally.
What approach would you suggest? Should I disconnect one thing at a time and see if that does it? Is there any way to wire in an amp meter and see if something is spiking the voltage? Any ideas appreciated.
Here's the set up. '61 bug, converted to 12 volt. No radio. It's always the first fuse in the box (the one that's hot when ignition is on), the left hand one nearest the steering column. That circuit has my oil pressure gauge, tachometer, fuel pump and in the engine compartment, that wire goes to a relay with direct power from the voltage regulator to run my electronic ignition & coil. All the gauges otherwise work normally.
What approach would you suggest? Should I disconnect one thing at a time and see if that does it? Is there any way to wire in an amp meter and see if something is spiking the voltage? Any ideas appreciated.