5Wire door locks

Hi, I have 2 relays setup according to the 5wire diagram (1990 ford taurus GL)

The problem is that as soon as I reconnect the neg. battery cable to power up the car, the fuse blows out rather instantly. The fuse I'm referring to is on a 12ga wire coming from the battery and powering the 2 relays as described in the diagram. It's been blowing 15-30a fuses.

I've checked and rechecked the wiring in case I might've incorrectly connected something. And it doesn't look like it's shorting out to ground anywhere. Mind you all the points on the 2 relays that req. +12v are all routed to a single wire that houses the inline fuse. Should that concern me? I've seen similar diagrams that show each of the +12v legs in the relays connected to it's own (usually 10a) fuse. Would that help? Does anyone have an idea what might be blowing my fuses?

Thanks

...and another thing; in case it might be the relay itself. How can I test the relays with a DMM? By that I mean which points do I contact. Should I try a continuity test? etc.. you get the idea...

thanks again

Thanks Brian for the helpful info...I'm fairly sure there's isn't anything shorting out to ground, but as you said- there may be some naked spots on the wire. And perhaps if there are any it might be in the engine compartment where It's connected directly to the batt.

Another question, seeing as having all the +12v legs on the relay connected to a single fused wire isn't a problem, what amperage should I use for the fuse? Should I keep that setup or abandon it for individual fuses per leg (and at what amperage?)

thanks!

hey flite_1, I sort of did the same thing that you did, only I didn't have a fuse connected.  I reconnected my negative cable, and blew out 2 actuators!  Then I replaced the actuators, connected all 4 power wires to the same 12volt wire, and then fused it with a small fuse (like 5 amps I think).  Anywho, I was afraid of blowing something again, so I didn't disconnect the negative cable the second time, I just installed the power wires for the relays under the dash (and crossed my fingers), and everything was fine.  (Still is, too, after about 3 months).

cpgoose: just wondering where your 12v wire was connected to, as mine is connected straight to the batt. or did you attach it to a constant 12v wire in the ignition harness? Also what's your make and model? And one last thing, how did you cut the lock & unlock wires? Was it  at the driver's or passengers kick panel? Did you have to locate other wires besides those two and how did you know which end was to the motor and which was to the switch? I'm a little bewildered at all this.  Thanks

Brianh: It's a '90 Ford Taurus....I'll try hooking it up under the dash (10g yellow if I recall) and see what happens...