Classic Mistake

FarmerBen · 07-07-2013, 01:39 AM

Oh man, I made a classic mistake. I tried to install a new radio in my 97 Vectra and blew some fuses. I was able to track down the radio's fuse that blew and I replaced it. Unfortunately, that didn't fix my problem. The radio still does not work, and my dash lights are not working either. I was able to also track down the "illumination lights" fuse and it seemed fine. I took the voltmeter to it and nothing, no voltage. I replaced the fuse, put the voltmeter to it again, and still nothing. I put the voltmeter directly to the fuse's connector, and it also is not giving any voltage.

So, now I have no idea how to proceed. I have searched the forums for hours, which has led me to check and recheck every fuse. Any further help would be very much appreciated.

Bigd9 · 07-07-2013, 06:06 AM

If your coach was anything like mine, fuses were located in several places. Check for the dash lighting fuse again, but look in out of the way places. Under the dash? Up front under the hood? In the electrical compartment? I'm betting you still have a fuse blown that controls the dash lighting. You just need to go on a hunt to find it.

Good luck, and welcome!

Clifftall · 07-07-2013, 06:09 AM

The BCC ( battery control center ) in my Fleetwood has two 12 v circuit breakers. I had to reset them once ( don't ask

). Maybe Winnebagos have them as well.

Bigd9 · 07-07-2013, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

The BCC ( battery control center ) in my Fleetwood has two 12 v circuit breakers. I had to reset them once ( don't ask

). Maybe Winnebagos have them as well.

Why did you have to reset the breakers? (Doesn't it always make you want to know what someone is hiding when they say "don't ask"?)

Clifftall · 07-07-2013, 06:24 AM

I was about to install a new converter and before I disconnected the batteries , I wanted to see what size Allen wrench I needed. That's when the sparks started to fly.

FarmerBen · 07-07-2013, 11:34 AM

Thank you for the replies. I will keep looking for more fuses. There is a 12 volt breaker box with 10 small push type breakers. The one that is labeled "radio" is fine, but the Air Horn breaker is tripped and will not reset for more than a few seconds. I have no idea if the air horn was working before my radio debacle.

If the fuse that controls the dash lights is not receiving any voltage at all, is it usually because another fuse has blown ?

BFlinn181 · 07-07-2013, 12:39 PM

:welcome:

Since you keep tripping the air horn breaker, I'd disconnect the wire at the air horn solenoid to see if that's causing the trouble. You might have to cut the wire, just leave enough to splice it back together.

skigramp · 07-07-2013, 01:25 PM

The Winnebago website has wiring diagrams for your Vectra ...

Vectra wiring

FarmerBen · 07-07-2013, 02:59 PM

I was able to disconnect the connections to the Air Horn's compressor, but the breaker tripped again after a reset. I checked the ground connections to the air horn, and found they also connect to my fog lamps. One of my fog lamps is out, but the grounds seem good.

I have looked at the wiring diagrams and am no less stumped.

FarmerBen · 07-07-2013, 05:54 PM

OK, I've fixed the problem. I took the dash off and found behind the radio a small fuse and filter box with two blown glass fuses. The air horn is still not working, but that is a battle for another day.

Thank you again to everyone that posted a reply. You all have given me a very warm welcome. I will be sure to pay all of your kindness forward.

Clifftall · 07-07-2013, 05:58 PM

Thanks for the update. Glad you fixed it.

Bigd9 · 07-08-2013, 06:04 AM

I too am glad you got her back up and running. And to think, look at how much you saved by doing it yourself! Sure, you may have done the "classic mistake" but who hasn't

Now, lets get the air horn fixed..... A man has to have a air horn

I just love you statement about paying forward.