My fuse for the tailights blows immediately when the lights are turned on. Wiring is all ok to tailights and parking lights. Fuse still blows when I disconnect plug going to rear. I have no owners manual so I was wondering if anybody can tell me what else is on this circuit? I'm going to start checking under the dash next.

 

I don't have the proper wiring diagram for your year but if you head to your local main library they have the wiring diagrams for your vehicle that you can copy and keep.

 

i just returned from the library and they don't have anything that covers an 87 D150. I did check a chiltons book for cars and another for trucks starting in 93, but nothing that tells me what is on the tailight circuit.

 

Did you ask the librarian if they had a subscription to an auto service like all data on their computers? A lot of libraries are going to computers instead of book type car manuals. Our library has both but only at the main branch.

I can tell you on an 89 it is fuse #8 20 amps and handles clearance/ID lights, radio display lights, parking lights, tail lights, side marker lights, license plate lights, and cab illumination lights.

 

Along these lines... I plan on redoing all the wiring to my taillights in the coming weeks. Does anyone know where to get around 100-150 feet of wire at a reasonable price? The only lengths I can find is like 30 feet for 7 bucks. I dont mind ordering online either.

And im guessing its 16 gauge right? Also would you suggest getting a soldering iron or just butt connectors?

Thanks 81 d150 with slant six if that matters.

 

I found the problem. It was with the radio lights! I cut and taped the wire and everything works normal. I installed an aftermarket cd player, and now I can drive at night again!! BTW, it is also fuse #8 on an '87.

 

Twitchr, I got my spools at J. C, Whitney. Reasonably priced and longer lengths. If you are going to keep the truck get a soldering iron. If you really want a permanent fix for splices that are exposed to moisture get 3M Scotchkote. Slide on some shrink tubing, solder the connection, apply the Scotchkote (I use 2 coats), let dry after each coat, and then shrink the tubing. This is time consuming but permanent. A hair dryer speeds up the drying. I haven't tried butt connecters with Scotchkote but I believe that would work also.

 

Thanks seal. I ended up at Lowed the other day and got 500 feet of 14 gauge stranded wire. It was on clearance for $10 because it was previously opened and about 10 feet was gone. I already got heat shrink and i ended up with butt connectors. I have a soldering gun however live in dorms, so I really dont have access to power outside.

I plan on doing it all sometime this week. ill try to get pictures.

thanks

 

People usually throw away 25'+ electrical cords when their plugs get messed up. These wires are thick and already insulated.