New to board, ?s about fuses and lighting (long)

[Guest]

Hello, ladies and gentlemen.
I have been reading this board for the past 2 days after finding it via Google. There are a lot of useful info and helpful people on here.
My wife has a '99 SE V6, and I've been trying to figure out a problem for the past week. She has a blown fuse (7.5A, #15 in the manual, in the engine fuse compartment) which keeps blowing when I replace a new 7.5A fuse. This controls the ignition key light, clock, dome light, vanity and trunk lights. I checked the dome light bulb, which is OK. I also checked the coin holder fuses, all OK. I figure there is a short circuit or exposed wire somewhere, but don't know where to start looking. Anyone w/ experience w/ this. Also, if there are any Houstonians who know of a good shop beside the local stealers who can check this for me w/o breaking the bank. After reading about some of the mods that you guys have done, I'm thinking about the Eibach/Tokico setup and then aftermarket wheels since I don't like the "rolling" sensation when I drive her car. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Danny C

[WTF??]

After reading about some of the mods that you guys have done, I'm thinking about the Eibach/Tokico setup and then aftermarket wheels since I don't like the "rolling" sensation when I drive her car. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Danny C

LOL... Make sure you ask her before you do anything!!

But sorry havent experienced any fuse probs... maybe your post will keep us informed and prevent it from happening

Any advice guys??

[JoeB]

No experience with blowing that fuse, but I would start by checking the wires in the trunk since from what you described, they seem the most volnurable.

Don't forget to look into the TRD or Whiteline rear sway bar. It's an easy mod, not expensive and you can do it now before lowering the car. It'll make a significant difference in the roll. If TRD, connect it on the "race" or "strip" setting (attachment holes). I went with the TRD based on others comments. There is also a Whiteline front sway bar. I haven't elected to get that because I haven't heard anyone really raving about the difference it makes. -JoeB

[Guest]

Good thought, Joe. I did notice when I armed the Securikey alarm last night that the horn sounded off 3 times, which is supposed to indicate an open door, trunk or hood, though I obviosuly checked and they were all closed. Maybe there are some exposed wires in the trunk.
Solara nytez, I drive her car sometimes so I don't put too many miles on mine. She's going out of town in 2 weekends, so maybe I'll drop the car 1.5" first and see if she notices.
Danny C

[impactX]

There must be a short circuit somewhere if the fuse keeps blowing... unless you put in a wrong replacement (which I doubt).

Swaybars are inexpensive and change the handling significantly. Keep in mind your wife may not like the ride if you stiffen the suspension parts.

[mailskobe]

for the rolling sensation part.
before you go about the suspension upgrade, i would strongly suggest you to try out aftermarket wheels and tires. go for a wider tire size, 225 or 235. i did that to my car and i love it with stock suspension. (i have 2000 SE sport, i am not sure, if there was a difference between SE sport and SLE as regards suspension).

as always, sway bars can help control body roll.
you dont want your wife to complain about a rough ride after you spent lotsa $$$$ for the suspension upgrade!
sko

[Guest]

Well, my car is an M5. She doesn't complain about the stiff ride, only about the whiplash
But anyways, I'm going to take a thorough look over the car again this evening.

[mailskobe]

M5, eh?
whatchadoin complaining about "no deep pockets?"

M5 is a sweet ride, only hope you got a stick in that!
sko

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

Join us at www.houston-imports.com/forums and post the same question there...I personally have gone to a shop by Fuqua for my ES (had some electrical problem with my changer in the trunk) - they got it solved the first time. That was over 2 years ago...so i'm sure at that forum someone might have more current recommendations...

[Guest]

I'm a DIY, problem-solver type of person, but w/ little electrical or mechanical inclination. I'll go to an auto shop in the end if I have to, but don't like the delays w/ local dealers.
BTW, M5s only come in 6 spds

[mailskobe]

oh well, i know that the M3 comes in a pseudo-stick version.
when i meant stick, i meant the real deal with clutch.
sko