Hello All,

I have a 1996 850 GLT wagon, which I have owned since new, and it now has 355,000 miles on it. About 2 weeks ago, the 10 amp fuse (fuse #30 in the fuse block) which only powers the cigarette lighter burned out. In light of the fact this was the first time in 19 years I ever replaced this fuse, I thought nothing of it. In my mind, this fuse owed me nothing.

Within a week, the replacement fuse I installed also burned out. This electrical socket gets a lot of use. This is my wife’s car, and she is constantly plugging in her I-Phone to be recharged, her Apple Pad (tablet) to be recharged and her GPS unit. She has been using these various accessories without blowing any fuses for years. I just mention this to underscore the use this electrical socket gets on a regular basis.

I suspect there might be an electrical short which is burning out this 10 amp fuse. Does anyone have an idea where this short could be, or how I could detect its location? Is it possible the electrical socket itself has become “worn” and is causing the short from the constant pushing in and pulling out of electrical plugs to power the various accessories I have described. I have another 1996 850 and 1999 XC and neither car has had this problem. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

Hugh