92 Explorer Radio fuse consistently blowing

[Skeith]

I've ran into quite the problem guys. I used to use my truck as a delivery vehicle, and one day, I slammed my door shut due to a bad door hinge, and the radio fuse shorted out. I've looked at every scenario. Took my radio out and checked wires, removed door panel, and unwrapped all OEM tape, no break in any wires. I had to have followed every single wire, but still I'm coming up empty handed. Has anyone experienced something like this, any input on my problem would be greatly appreciated

 

[Wolfie_85]

The radio itself could be the issue. But I would double check connections and wires. Everything going to the radio. Any exposed wires can cause a short. Even something in the connectors. Loose connections (I'm referring to splicing if you have an aftermarket unit) can cause it to pop a fuse (had it happen).

 

[Skeith]

I've checked everything behind the stereo, and yes it is aftermarket. I did fond one spliced wire loose, but after fixing it continues to pop. I guess I'll start back at square one and look behind the stereo. Tho I thought it would've been at the door since it went out when the door slammed

 

[Arne13]

Unplug the stereo and stick a new fuse in. If it doesn't blow, plug the stero back in, if it blows then you have found the problem.

 

[Skeith]

I tried that, didn't work. Has to be a wire somewhere

 

[the_don]

Is it fuse #11 or #16 ? and what else does not work?

 

[2stroke]

I had this happen before. My problem was there was a hidden amplifier I didn't know about. The wires were frayed and brittle. It was really strange because I could make it crackle by messing with the heater controls.

 

[Skeith]

Its fuse #1 and its affecting the dome light, power mirrors, and the radio. Dome light hasn't worked for ever since I took it apart, just the radio and side mirrors. And 2stroke, where is this amplifier you mentioned

 

[2stroke]

Its been years since I messed with it, but I think it was in the passenger cargo area behind the trim above the wheel well. I have no idea if it was stock or not. The radio deck was not stock, and I'm not the original owner. It wasn't like a normal amp, I'm not even sure how it worked. I didn't even know about the amp until I tried to wire my new MP3 deck and couldn't get it to work. Eventually I found out there was a power to amp, and I instantly had sound, but still with crackles. I figured there must have been a problem, so I sent the deck back for a new one, and ran all new wires. You have to know what each wire does, because you need to keep the plug ins, but other than that, it was hours and hours of running wire. I never did try and fix the Amp, because to be honest, I didn't even know what it was until after the fact, when I was working on something else, and even then I didn't realize it was an amp until I looked it up.

 

[the_don]

fuse #1 runs: dome light, courtesy lamp, radio memory, and power mirrors. i would suggest pulling the driver side kick panel, and the rubber boot that runs between the door and "A" pillar and inspect all of the door harness wires, as well as the door switch wires. and if i remember right you might have to remove the parking brake peddle assembly to get to the door harness plugs.

 

[nitris]

you could run a line to the battery and put your own 10 amp fuse on that line and call it a day... it wouldnt take that long and cost less than $5 bucks and save you a headache

 

[Skeith]

I'll try what you said Don. I did remove the kick panel, but not all of it, and the wires seemed good along the side panel. Doesn't hurt to look again, I have plenty of time. Fingers crossed I get this working. No sound=no fun. I'll report back later today. Thank you all for being so helpful

 

[FR-425]

Pull the cigarette lighter out and make sure there's not a penny in there!

Seen it!

 

[Skeith]

No luck with anything. Pulled the kick panel, followed every wire, they all look good. Guess I'll be rechecking the stereo itself. And there is no penny in the 12v slot lol

 

[the_don]

now this is a stumper. if you dont have power mirrors, and if the radio is a necessity just leave the fuse out and run two new wires to the radio, one for constant 12+ and another for switched 12+ from the ignition harness. constant=yellow switched=black/green.