Electrical Help

[/ZexGX]

Have at least one electrical short somewhere in my XJ. Don't have any brake lights or cluster lights - the no brake lights is kind of a big deal. The fuse keeps blowing when the running lights are turned on. Wiring harness is a nightmare. Checked all bulb sockets and no major issues. Replaced the headlight switch. The front light harness connector in the engine bay was corroded so I cleaned it out. Previous owner installed a trailer brake kit and a trailer light kit which over the years of use could be the issue. I've tried a variety of things to try and fix but none seem to be permanent. Even bought an ECT2000 (link) to try and locate the short, but I couldn't locate it. Anybody really good at electrical system diagnosis (I can offer payment, beer, or help in exchange for your help), or can anyone recommend a good shop to take it to that can track down the cause and fix? I'm located in the San Fernando Valley. The XJ is out near Joshua Tree/Palm Springs at my parents house for the moment.

 

[uglyrenixxj]

What year?
Was the trailer adapter done with a quickbox, or the actuall jeep pigtail(circuit breakers and relays?)
Dunno when i woild have the time, but willing to entertain the ect2000 in trade.

 

[lagoober]

I had cluster lights blow out on me shortly after turning the lights on. Was driving me nuts, took the light switch apart (and every other plug), cleaned all the connections, etc....no help. Checked everything, then noticed when I was plugging the harness into the light switch itself, one of the wires/contacts was backing out of the harness. Not enough to make it obvious, but enough for it to not have a good contact with the terminal on the switch, which caused arching, therefore burning out the fuse. Check all the wires within the light switch plug and make sure they're in all the way and making good contact.

Not sure if the brake lights were problematic in my case since I never checked.