Blowing tail light fuse

[Wrenchturner383]

I have a 1983 Aspencade that is blowing the 10 amp fuse for the taillights, turn signal cancel and meter light. I unplugged the rear harness connector and it still blew the fuse. I have bypassed the taillight circuit using the auxiliary fuse, which makes me legal to ride, but leaves me with no dash lights and no self cancelling signals. I've checked as much of the wiring harness I can see without totally disassembling everything. Has anyone had the same issue? What would be the most likely suspect, in this case?

[Rambozo]

What would be the most likely suspect, in this case?

User added accessories like lights and such!

[Wrenchturner383]

I wish it were that simple. Maybe a little background will help. I have been riding this cycle for 2 years with no electrical problems. The only thing added was a USB charger using the auxiliary fuse connection. The cycle has a couple extra taillight/brake lights from Drag Specialties but it has never been a problem. When I unplugged the connector to the taillights / brake lights / rear turn signals, the fuse still blew immediately when turning on the ignition, so I'm confident the additional Drag Specialties taillights are not the issue. The 10 amp fuse that is failing protects the taillights, dash lights and turn signal self canceling circuit. I was just asking if anyone had experienced something similar to give me a head start in tracking down the short/unwanted ground.

[Maz]

I wish it were that simple. Maybe a little background will help. I have been riding this cycle for 2 years with no electrical problems. The only thing added was a USB charger using the auxiliary fuse connection. The cycle has a couple extra taillight/brake lights from Drag Specialties but it has never been a problem. When I unplugged the connector to the taillights / brake lights / rear turn signals, the fuse still blew immediately when turning on the ignition, so I'm confident the additional Drag Specialties taillights are not the issue. The 10 amp fuse that is failing protects the taillights, dash lights and turn signal self canceling circuit. I was just asking if anyone had experienced something similar to give me a head start in tracking down the short/unwanted ground.

Temporarily replace the fuse with a low wattage 12v bulb . This will illuminate while you are trying to trace the fault and will go out once you find/remove the short. The wiring will not be damaged as the bulb will limit the current.
Maz

[Wrenchturner383]

Thanks for the tip. Looks like I'll need to remove the fairing and start looking.