yeah so i decided a few mins ago that id go downstairs and see how tvs would look like in place of my sunvisors...so i was taking them off and i saw that there were 2 wires (one black and one white). i experimented a little while with the dimensions, and then i finally got ready to put it all back together. in the process, i think i might have caused a short circuit (if im not mistaken...i think i might have heard the spark at one point). anyway, i need to know which fuse i need to replace, and also if that IS what my problem is to begin with. [none of the interior lights work, as well as the sunvisor mirror lights]

thanks a lot

If you haven't already done this, look at the inside cover of your fuse block for a description of which fuse does what --you're looking for an interior lighting fuse, which will most likely be bad (open/blown). If there isn't a description, and you know how to use a multimeter, pull the fuses one by one, (starting with the lowest rating) and measure the resistance across the fuse, (not the fuse holder) looking for infinite resistance, which indicates an open (blown) fuse. Replace said fuse and don't short the wires in the visor! More hints are available if you need them.

CC

I have a similar situation with interior lights not working (But I didn't cross any wires)...after having an aftermarket Alpine head-unit installed, my car started going berzerk...had all kinds of electrical "Gremlins" so I had the Alpine removed. Most things returned to normal, but the gas guage is really fluky, and the interior lights and cig lighters no longer work with the remote, or when you open the doors. I found the relay bank under the hood, but don't think any of those relays are the culprit as they don't indicate anything about interior. But, I also don't know what the DRL and Accessory relays do. There is also one relay that might have been there at one time, and is missing now (I never physically saw it in there so I don't know if it's supposed to be there or not). The relay is labeled "Inadvert power relay". Could any of the 3 relays mentioned be the problem ? If not is there another location I should look for relays in a 99 Deville ? I already have the complete trunk liner out and I did find another fuse bank, but no relays.

After digging much deeper into this situation (I actually pulled out the manual) I found that the inadvert power relay is described, and seems to be something that's supposed to be there. The one thing I find funny about this though, I don't know how long this one has been missing. As mentioned previously, the plug that is present is very corroded, and even has a wire pulled out of it. I also found another bank of relays in the trunk behind a large plastic panel, bolted to the back seat, however, there are no descriptive notes telling me what those relays are for. I suppose I'll try to find a replacement plug and relay, so I can hook them up and se if that's my problem. Any insight to this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I'd like to jump in here with something ... my wife has a 98 STS that developed an 'issue' a few weeks ago. None of the interior lights worked .. .daytime, night time- never. I checked the fuze under the hood and it was good. Yesterday I discovered the secondary fuse block (I know, read the manual) under the rear seat and fuse #27 was blown. As soon as I put another 10-amp fuse in it popped. The doors were open but the interior light switch was in the OFF position. Then, and I know I shouldn't have but I did, when I put a 15-amp in they all started working fine. I noticed the interior lamp relays above the fuse I replaced seem to be significantly warmer than the others as well. Not sure if that is normal or not.

What is the most likely candidate for this? A short would have blown the 15-amp too wouldn't it? And only the interior lights - all the interior lights - were the only things not working.

Adding my voice to this discussion to which there do not seem to be any answers, yet, and I have reviewed a lot of related issues in the forum. I own a 1997 Seville SLS. My problem is similar concerning the interior lamps -- the 10 amp fuse in the engine compartment keeps blowing -- I've substituted a 20 amp for a few moments to see what happens. Interior lamps barely glow and the fuse gets VERY hot. So, presently, I have no interior lamps. There was a car phone interface (a small circuit board with a plug for a Motorola phone) that was shorting out when some wires broke off of it -- it was stuffed between front passenger seat and console. I removed that and the interior lamps worked for a short while, then the fuse is back to blowing, AGAIN! I have called Cadillac seeking the Courtesy Lamps Relay -- they can't find one listed in parts. This problem, and many very similar ones, is ubiquitous, it seems. Any answers, technicians? And don't say check the fuse block. The fuses are being blown instantly and there is a power drain in the system. Everything else works absolutely wonderful, by the way. Just this little snag. HELP!

Then, and I know I shouldn't have but I did, when I put a 15-amp in they all started working fine. I noticed the interior lamp relays above the fuse I replaced seem to be significantly warmer than the others as well. Not sure if that is normal or not.


That relay is warmer because you are allowing more current flow through with the 15 amp fuse.

anyway, i need to know which fuse i need to replace, and also if that IS what my problem is to begin with. [none of the interior lights work, as well as the sunvisor mirror lights]

Before your thread gets hijacked...I believe the fuse you are looking for is in the engine compartment fuse center. It is a 10 amp fuse located on the outside edge labeled "INT LPS". Pull it out and look to see if it is blown (the fuse element inside the plastic will be broke).

Next time, disconnect the battery before doing any work like that.