reverse light fuse blown

[whitefirebird96]

I have a 96 3.8 firebird. The fuse for the back up lights / reverse light keeps blowing. I put a new fuse in and tried the turn signals. They all come on, right and left, but stay solid and don't blink, probably a bad turn signal relay. However, when I engage my car into reverse, it is a manual, the fuse goes. I tried taking out both reverse light bulbs. Repeated the process, and the fuse still blew. This leads me to think that the problem isn't in the sockets. Has anyone had a similar problem before? Could it be the reverse light switch on the transmission that is causing a short? if so, how could that be shorting? Thanks for any advice.

[speedy-v6-camaro]

sounds like a broken bulb in the back that keeps contacting ground...check the rear bulbs.

[Pastor Larry Roques]

Yeah, Speedy, I'd lean more towards a problem in the bulb, wiring,sockets near the offending area. I've owned cars for many a moon and don't believe I've ever seen the switch from the transmission go bad. This isn't to say there isn't a first time. But running down the lights and sockets could be where you'll find the culprit. Whitefirebird 96, does it ever blow the bulbs? I own a 96 and have cracks in my rear light gels that let in moisture. That can be a big problem where electrical is concerned. If the water ever build up enough in there to reach the sockets, it will surely blow a fuse. I have actually seen water sloshing around in my right rear taillight. I'm shopping ebay for a new set as we speak. Hope you get to the bottom of it cause this kind of stuff can drive you nuts!
Blessings

[whitefirebird96]

I checked all the bulbs, they are fine, don't ever blow them because I don't guess the power ever reaches them. What would be the best way to check if it is a socket and does anyone know how to go about replacing it. Or is it a straight pull out and replace project.

[Pastor Larry Roques]

got a multimeter? Just running a lead/ground test for 12v would tell you if power is getting to the bulb at all. Let a friend put the car in reverse as you check the socket. (Be sure to set the hand brake....like I FORGOT to tell my son to one time...like to got run over by my own car!)