Dash lights out

[ab56452001]

Hi, having a bit of trouble with our Au, installed a new stereo using the proper new plug in wiring looms so far so good, then, and this might be a coincidence, the dash/tail lights konk out !, brake lights ok though. So we track down the fuse and replace, but every time we turn the lights on out go the dash illuminating lights !, fuse blown again,the instruments work though, anybody got any ideas, cheers.

[Mr Hardware]

generally if you blow a fuse then there's too much amperage flowing through the circuit. this can be caused by many things, but it's most likely that you've got a short somewhere. I would suggest having a double check that none of your wiring that you've fiddled with is bare, and try it without the new stereo. If all else fails, try and auto-elec. Sometimes I've had problems that I wouldn't be able to work out in a week and an auto-elec has done it for me in minutes.

[ab56452001]

Thanks for reply, ill try take out the new stereo on the wkend, and see how we go,cheers

[auIILTD]

Stereos have a dimming function for when you turn your lights on. There will be one lead into the stereo is connected to the lighting circuit for this. When it has 12V (ie light power), the stereo dims. I would take a fair guess that this wire is grounded by the stereo, hence when you turn the lights on, you have 12v connecting straight to ground and hence blowing the fuse. I would, using the stereo install instructions to identify the dimming wire and disconnecting it from the car loom (cut it if you have to). This will prove the theory, and if it proves to be so, I would be returning the stereo to place of purchase.

Hope that helps
Stu