WildFoxMedia

So, for the 2nd time in 6 months or so, my 2003 F150 has blown the #6 fuse under the hood (Its a 15 amp fuse, I dont have my manual handy but it has to do with autolamp or interior lighting).

I dont know if it is the direct result of the fuse blowing, but it causes my dash lights to go out/not come on and intermittently not let me truck's headlights turn off when I turn the switch from On to Off. I replaced the fuse and it seems that my headlights will now turn On & Off without having to take the battery cable off the post, but my dash lights still dont work.

Last time this happened I replaced the fuse and the headlight switch (The headlight switch was pretty pricey last I recall) and since this seems to be more then a one time thing, I would like to figure it out once and for all.

Does anyone have any ideas or thoughts on what may be causing the fuse to blow or the switch to go bad?

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

Headlight switches tend to go bad just from the usage they get. Depending on how bad the switch is it may be shorting out, causing the fuse to blow. There is a fuse for the headlights, and there is a separate fuse for the dash lights. On most vehicles the dash lights are fed from the headlight switch and then have a separate fuse. So if the headlight fuse blows you lose both but if the dash light fuse blows you only lose the dash lights. Check the dash light fuse.

WildFoxMedia

I believe the fuse that is blowing IS the dash light fuse. I dont have my manual with me at the moment and I cant seem to find a fuse diagram, but its a 15AMP fuse in position #6 in the fuse box under the hood which if I recall correctly said it was an interior lighting, etc.

I understand normal wear and tear but the original switch lasted from 2003 til about 6 months ago, and the new one only had a lifespan of 6 months? Seems somewhat odd.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

I mised the part about you changing the switch. Another problem may be the plug that plugs into the switch. My truck is older but the plug for my headlight switch has melted and I had to rewire it. Also the 15 amp fuse isn't for the dash lights. It should have a 5 amp. Interior lighting is the dome lamp and under dash lights, as well as any map lights, visor lights, etc. that you may have.

Good old Bill

Try this site for the wiring diagram; www.ebscohost.com User: greatfalls Pass: publiclibrary Select auto repair, year, model, and so on.

1stblueoval

In the shop we had a a dome light issue causing that,if you have a digital odometer and thats going out also check the dome contacts to see if they are touching the roof under ther headliner,we had a dip in the roof from the owner loading on top and bent it..everytime we he a good bump the fuse would blow.