I have a 1997 F150 XLT and it keeps blowing the #29 fuse (Autolamp, instrument cluster, transmission control indicator lamp and switch). I can find no rhyme or reason. Sometimes a new fuse will last several days, sometimes only 10 minutes. I am not sure what they mean by "Autolamp"? I am not using the OD/Tow button, gages work fine when the fuse is good. Any known trouble areas I should look at first? Thanks much for any help.

Dave

 

There is a light sensor on top of your dashboard, a little grate about the size of a postage stamp.

The control wheel is on the dash, left side of the steering wheel.
It is wheel located beside your dash dimmer wheel.
Turned all the way down = OFF.
As you roll it up you will hear a click = ON.
In the on postion, your vehicle lights will come on by themselves by way of the light sensor in the dash.
When you shut down the vehicle, the lights will stay on an amount of time controlled by the wheel.

Maximum cranked wheel = about 3 minutes.
Cranked just enough to turn it ON = about 20 seconds.
Later 'Autolamp' models didn't have the adjustment wheel where the owner could easily control 'length of time'. 97-99 did.

 

Thanks for the response. I do not have that option on mine, apparently. I only have the dash light dimmer wheel. In my search of the forum before posting, I did see a post that mentioned removing the steering wheel column cover and looking for damaged wires, but that was in response to a shorting out problem when he shifted. My fuse blows at random times. I cannot make it blow, nor does it do it when I go over bumps.

Dave

 

When I was on vacation, I went to the local dealership to ask if anyone reported problems with the TCS/autolock fuse blowing. The parts guy said the TCS harness insulation was probably worn through and may be the cause of the problem. After selling me a new shifter, it turns out that he was correct. I didn't really need a new shifter, just needed to tape/insulate the abrasion. I replaced the shifter anyway and will fix the harness.

BTW, the #29 fuse is the one that always blew before i changed the shifter. Take a closeup look of where insulation was worn off....
-P-

https://www.f150online.com/galleries/...8106&anum=7582

 

I am not sure where the TCS harness is located. I will try to find some info on it. I did try shaking/hitting the wheel and cloumn with my hand to see if I could get it to blow, but I could not. I'd be happy if I could just narrow it down a bit.

Wisconsin Dave

 

Remove the top and bottom column trim pieces. Observe the small wiring harness where it comes out of the shift liver. Follow it back to the column. Inspect those several inches of wiring. That's where it usually wears through and shorts out, blowing F29.

Use electrical tape to repair, then re-dress the harness so it can't short out.

Steve

 

Rock on. Thanks, Steve. That helps a ton. I will take it apart tonight.

Dave