On one of my MAXs, and 89 GXE, the fuse for the stop lamp/brake lights recently went. So I did the obvious thing and replaced it. However as soon as I put it in, it blew within a second after I hit the brakes (literally). I even put the correct 15 amp fuse in the correct socket for it (3rd from the bottom on the left side). I have gone through about 4 or 5 NEW fuses in the past week. What is wrong? What should I do?...Thanx

 

1. Dont brake it
2. Dont break it
3. Check rear lights for short, correct

 

What do you mean by "check for short"??? I have taken out the combination panel and everything looks OK. Detailed instructions would help. In NY, I can get pulled over and ticketed for brake light failure. I need to fix this ASAP, thank you

 

Then u did just that... if combination panel means both rear lamp assemblys. Does the fuse blow when both rear lamp assembly plugs are out? If it does, then your short circuit is not in the rear light assemblys... Check the brake-sw at pedal, mainly for wiring problems.

(If I am not wrong, -97 model is 4gen. But heres no problem being on 3gen forum; some details may differ... in this case, electronics are all about the same)

Check for CDomain 'Favorite links'
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/1

 

chances are you have corrosion in one of the taillight sockets. fairly common on these cars

 

My license plate lights caused mine to short out. I just removed them.

 

May short rear lights, brake circuit is separate (at least before meltdown).

 

Ok, there was a short, probably from the most common problem with those combination panels of the 3rd gens, the bulb was just too hot for the socket, I guess, and two terminals were touching. I replaced both combination panels with brand new OEM ones and voila, I'm all set.......Thanx guys