Started smoking and fuse melted!

[Corban123]

Hi, so on Saturday night my buick headlight and dash lights didnt work. I figured out one of my headlights was blown, and figured id replace it soon and decide to take a look at my fuses as well and I find that the taillight fuse was blown so i swap it with another 20 amp fuse. Then the fuse starts melting, and i quickly disconnect the battery and pull the fuse out. After the fuse is out i start my car again, and after a few minutes i realize the entire dash is smoking, mainly near the headlight switch area. I have no idea about electrical, and was wondering if anyone knows whats going on. Thanks!

 

[Corban123]

Hi, so on Saturday night my buick headlight and dash lights didnt work. I figured out one of my headlights was blown, and figured id replace it soon and decide to take a look at my fuses as well and I find that the taillight fuse was blown so i swap it with another 20 amp fuse. Then the fuse starts melting, and i quickly disconnect the battery and pull the fuse out. After the fuse is out i start my car again, and after a few minutes i realize the entire dash is smoking, mainly near the headlight switch area. I have no idea about electrical, and was wondering if anyone knows whats going on. Thanks!

I forgot to mention, but its a 1989 Buick Century Limited with the 3.3 v6

 

[chem_man]

It sounds like you have something shorting to ground in the area of the headlight switch.

I would remove the switch and look over the wires going to it and see if there is any wires that look like they have been overheated (look for ugly looking insulation, missing or dripping of the insulation) or have been rubbing against metal - no insulation, darkened exposed wires, burn marks,, etc.). Also look at the switch housing to see if there are any abnormalities indicating overheating.

Good Luck!