1990 Silverado Headlight Fuse Blowing

mchgnmike · March 7, 2011

Well I fixed my fuel problem only to have my headlights and dash lights quit working. I replaced the 20 Amp fuse that was blown and turned the lights on and it blew again. I am going to get a headlight relay and hopefully that will remedy the issue.

If anyone has any insight as to where else to check I would appreciate it.

mchgnmike · March 12, 2011

I have checked all the connections that might have been effected when I was working on the fuel pump and I am still blowing fuses. I treid to find the Headlight relay to check to see if it is the culprit but I cannot find it. I thought it would be nest to the fuel pump relay but I don't see it.

Does anyone know where the headlight relay is on my 90 Silverado?

Oh, and I was a bit shocked to find out the headlight relay cost $40.00.

LeoS41280 · March 12, 2011

Is your headlight switch the rocker style switch? And are you sure the headlights are on a fuse instead of a circuit breaker?

mchgnmike · March 13, 2011

LeoS41280, Yes I have the rocker style switch on the lower left side of the dash. I am sure that there is a 20 AMP fuse in my fuse box that is blowing every time I turn the headlights on.

I have been looking for the Headlight Relay and I haven't found it yet.

LeoS41280 · March 13, 2011

I have seen a few of that style of switch give problems. But usually after it shorts the headlights and dash lights, they come back on after the breaker resets itself.

mchgnmike · March 13, 2011

LeoS41280,

So there is a breaker along with the relay? Where is the breaker located? With the switch?

mchgnmike · March 13, 2011

Do you think it could be the Headlight Switch has gone bad?

minibike132 · March 13, 2011

I think that without a test light, voltmeter, wiring diagram and a fairly healthy knowledge of electricity you are going to cost yourself more money and headache throwing parts at it yourself then if you found someone that knows what they are doing help you or taking it to a shop. I don't tell this to everyone, I help those I think can easily be helped, but your posts make it pretty clear to me that you don't have a good grasp on electrical functions. Please don't take this as a scolding criticism, but healthy advice. Not everyone is set up to do everything and I think you are going to spend less money taking it somewhere unless you get super lucky with one of the first few parts you put on.

More times then not, when a fuse is blowing like this, there is a shorted wire not a failed component.

mchgnmike · March 13, 2011

Thanks Sparkstech,

I'll take that under consideration. I'll keep looking for damaged wire until I have enough of it then I will take it in to a shop.

mchgnmike · March 28, 2011

I was finally able to get under the truck and look for my problem and low and behold I found it.

When I reattached my gas tank mount (from replacing the fuel pump) to the frame I did not clear the tail light wires out of the way. They were pinched and the insulation was compromised and was shorting out against the frame. Now I can stop driving the little Escort Wagon at least till gas gets above $4.00 per gallon.