sh**t! i grounded out a 12+ wire.

i accidentally grounded a wire that was tapped into the 12+ constant wire in the steering column.  now the alarm doesnt work, the dash panel lights dont come on, and the car wont start.  i checked all the fuses i could find inside the car and under the hood - all seemed ok.  2 40a fuses under the hood were marked "ignition" and "starter/ignition" i carefully checked these fuses out and they were fine.  im at a loss here - obviously some fuse blew but i dont know where the hell it is.

this is in a 1999 dodge durango.  i need to know where all fuse blocks are in this car.  i checked the fuse block inside the car next to the driver, and the fuse block under the hood.  i talked to a mechanic i knew and he almost guaranteed that its a fuse, but he couldnt tell me exactly where it is. 

Also, make sure you use a DMM test for the fuses. Looking at them doesn't always give you the best indication as to wether or not they are actually blown.Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

whats a DMM test? about those fuseable links...under the dash ive seen several plastic in-line cases. will these contain fuses? i dont think any of them were conencted to the 12+ wire though.

DMM = Digital multi meter. Test light works fine on fuses too. Do not go probing wires with a test light thgouh! Fusable links are typically very close to the battery as all fuses should be.

are you referring to a normal fuse block? all the fuses that are under the hood very close to the battery seemed fine. how do i use a multimeter to check fuses?

Take the DMM black test lead and attach it to a ground and use the red test lead to probe both sides of the fuse. Make sure that the key is turned over to the ON position and almost all the fuses should have power to them in the ON position.Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

got it...thanks ill try it out.

well i got everything started by running a new wire from the fuse box under the hood through the firewall and splicing it into the red 12+ wire. this works fine, but i still want to get it fixed, so if anybody knows where the fuse is for the red 12+ wire, let me know. thanks