elusive electrical problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

walarusi · 10-02-2006, 05:50 AM

Hey guys,

I have been trying to track down an electrical short on my 93 corolla sedan 1.6. I was driving down the freeway and the front driver's side corner lamp popped out and started swinging around, so I pulled over, popped it back in place and when I got back in the car none of the illuminated lighting was working(i.e. gauges, instruments, parking lights, etc...) checked all the fuses and they all tested good. Upon closer inspection of the wires leading to the corner lamp that fell out I noticed two identical cuts in the insulation on those wires, one is green and one is white. Does anyone know if there is another fusebox I need to check besides the interior one next to the pedals and the one under the hood directly behind the battery? Also, is it possible that a short might have blown out the switch on the stalk sticking out of the steering column? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

silkydraws · 10-03-2006, 10:43 PM

Hey Sugarland. Man I would think it would have popped the fuse. I imagine the cuts grounded out to the body and caused this. That usually blows fuse or relay. I know tailights have a relay but don't believe the others do. So what happened after you fixed the wires? Still out? I really can't imagine damage ocuuring back to the stalk but??? Stranger things have happened. Soo only your headlights were on? I also imagine the bulb of offending light may have blown or was broken by the swinging on the fender. Check fuses carefully and get back.Yes those are the only ones. If using a test light there is usually a little small bare spot on each side (on the top)of the fuse you can test the current through the fuse at.

Bitter · 10-04-2006, 12:21 AM

check the underhood fuses, drivers panel, and i think there may be some more somewhere else.

walarusi · 10-04-2006, 01:02 AM

well, The bulb had a small burn spot on it but it seemed ok, I replaced it anyway, I am going to get an electrical tester in the morning and see if I can track the break in connection, see if I'm getting power to the fuse boxes or if the problem is a melted wire somewhere or a blown terminal. I'll post back up and let ya'll know what I find. Hey bitter? Are you certain there is another fuse panel? Does anyone have a wiring diagram for this thing?

Bitter · 10-04-2006, 01:29 AM

yea, i could scan what you need....but its a pain in the ass and doesnt exactly tell you WHERE in the car things are unless you're really familiar with GM wiring diagrams. thats a last resort, its a lot of pages for that circuit...alot.

theres 2 underhood fuse boxes to check, possibly some fuses on the passenger side by your feet near the door (kick panel).

diver9000 · 10-05-2006, 06:45 PM

You say the bulb had a burned spot on it? Its good that you changed that. Still no power to the light? Take the insulation off the wires where you saw the cuts and inspect them. If they are touching each other then it may be that easy to fix. If not, then fix the wires and put something on them to protect them individually, then check for power. After I checked the 2 cuts and repaired them I would check and see if my lights work. Then go investigate the fuses in the car, then the relays, if those are good and you have power to all the wiring you may have blown the bulbs. I doubt it but its possible.