Lights on, Horn on...Electrical system issues

[PokinatchaPunk]

So first off... admittedly electrical work is my weak area of knowledge. So bear with me. I was in the process of tapping on of the fuses on the interior kick fuse box and accidentally grounded a wire which then created a nice little spark. Sadly the result has created some issues.

-Switching on the headlights will occasionally set off the horn (only can be shut off by disconnecting the battery).
-Switching on the headlights will then result in the lights staying on.
-Dome lights don't turn on (either by switch or by opening the door)

I've done a review of some the similar posts and checked the common solutions
-100A Alt Fuse is good
-No fuses are blown (interior fuse and under the hood fuse box)
-Relays on fuse box seem good
-Initial check of wires under the main fuse box hasn't revealed any fried wires (haven't separated wiring harness completely though)
-Checked to see if dome and headlight bulbs were fried... nope

I thought it may be that the interior box itself could be fried but after replacing it...no changes.

I did notice that I could turn on and off the lights while the interior box was out and the horn wouldn't go off but the dome lights stayed off.

I have a Powerprobe ECT2000 to help track down the direction of grounds but honestly it hasn't been much help. I'm probably just dumb.

So there you have it... So besides telling me I'm dumb (I know that already) does anyone have any ideas? Any help would be appreciated. BTW... if any one is in the SF/Sacramento area I'd be willing to pay for assistance.

 

[1G Eclipse94928]

Sounds like you wired it all up wrong. Your setting off the alarm it sounds like not the horn

 

[DogWhistle]

I thought it may be that the interior box itself could be fried but after replacing it...no changes.

I did notice that I could turn on and off the lights while the interior box was out and the horn wouldn't go off but the dome lights stayed off.

Electrical gremlins are a nightmere. I'm chasing a power door lock mystery right now.

Your problem may be in the harness, or a connector connection. You mentioned that the light and horn issue 'went away' with the interior box out. This may be because of the angle the wires, or connectors, changed tension.

I would encourage you to check the harness and connectors closely, first with the battery disconnected, or you may have more problems.

 

[Chopped]

I bought a parts car once and the Windows dropped about 2inches when you popped the headlights open or closed. Messed with it for a few days gave up and pulled what I needed and sold. Good luck

 

[PokinatchaPunk]

Thankfully i have a spare harness but I'm trying to figure out if the problem is in the interior or under the hood. If one of the fuses blew I would at least have a better idea but I'm feeling a little lost.

 

[jjw205]

-Switching on the headlights will occasionally set off the horn (only can be shut off by disconnecting the battery).
-Switching on the headlights will then result in the lights staying on.
-Dome lights don't turn on (either by switch or by opening the door)

I've done a review of some the similar posts and checked the common solutions
-100A Alt Fuse is good
-No fuses are blown (interior fuse and under the hood fuse box)
-Relays on fuse box seem good
-Initial check of wires under the main fuse box hasn't revealed any fried wires (haven't separated wiring harness completely though)
-Checked to see if dome and headlight bulbs were fried... nope

I accidentally grounded my heat shield on my alternator positive terminal, and had the exact same problem as you. Mine ended up being the 100A Alt. fuse.

 

[rvaughn]

Even if the fuse looks good I'd replace the alt fuse. Those fuse able links going bad tend to cause these types of issues.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

I have said this quite a few times lately but will say it again, check the main fuses (yes the big alternator fuse again) with a ohm meter. They may look good but be bad. Its a common issue and one should always disconnect the battery when doing electrical work to avoid this. I have done it before myself so live and learn. Just double check the main big fuses under the hood, you might be surprised.