Wiring help

[Crashlanding]

A3 no reverse lights speedo etc (fuse number 7)

i replaced the fuse (10A) as soon as i put in reverse it popped again.

has anyone had this prob too? what is the best way to find the issue?

cheers guys you lot are great!

 

[HTC]

A power feed wire is earthing out popping the fuse I'm guessing. Take a look at the reverse switch on the gearbox and look for any frayed wire that might be touching metal.
In addition, get a 12v test light or multimeter and check to see if the wires are not connected to earth. You can do the same with the feed to the reverse lights at the rear cluster. Remove the bulb, get your test light on the wire and put it in reverse to check.

 

[Crashlanding]

excellent! cheers for that will let you know ASAP

would this pop if the reverse light switch was FUBAR'd?

 

[HTC]

Maybe, You could remove the plug to the switch and put it in reverse to see, but you need to get a multimeter on the wires to see what's going on.

 

[Crashlanding]

yeah i have access to one of those, will sort it tomorrow night. thanks for your help, will post up with the results!

 

[h100vw]

If you are feeling brave you could keep going bigger with the fuse until the smoke escapes, pointing to the problem!!

I did this on a MK3 16V I had that was blowing the fuse for the wipers when you indicated. The hot air pipe off the back of the exhaust manifold to the air box, had worn through the insulation of the loom on the chassis leg and given me the strange snag.

I got a puff of smoke from under the airbox when I went big enough with the fuse.

Gavin

 

[Crashlanding]

that is brave! but i have sold the car to my bro in law and i dont think he will appriciate the smoking! process of elimination methinks!

 

[HTC]

If you are feeling brave you could keep going bigger with the fuse until the smoke escapes, pointing to the problem!!

I did this on a MK3 16V I had that was blowing the fuse for the wipers when you indicated. The hot air pipe off the back of the exhaust manifold to the air box, had worn through the insulation of the loom on the chassis leg and given me the strange snag.

I got a puff of smoke from under the airbox when I went big enough with the fuse.

Gavin

Gav, I'm shocked

 

[Crashlanding]

would this fault come up on VAG?

 

[NHN]

I would also try replacing fuse, disconnect the reverse rear light plug/housing or remove other bulbs except reverse one & see if this stops it blowing when in reverse, another option above HTC's advice about the gear reverse switch as its not unheard of rear lense light circuits doing these things.