Why does my 2001 Ford Focus fuse 32 keep blowing out?

Answer 1

I suggest that you have a short circuit in the switch or in something that that switch controls. It should have a 10 Amp fuse. Before checking anything else - make sure that the right sized fuses are installed in 32 and 7.5 amps in 47 & 48.

Buy a few spare 10 amp fuses, so you can blow some and have more to try again..

Although Fuse #32 is the fuse that controls the light switch,. it also feeds fuse 47 (7.5A) which supplies the left rear lamp assembly, & fuse 48 (7.5A) which supplies the right rear lamp assembly. Normally a short in #47 or #48 would cause the 7.5A to blow and protect the 10A fuse #32.

The most likely causes of fuse #32 failure, in order of most likely to least are:

1. A short in the wiring harnes inside the hinge of the hatch. (when your lights are on the fuse blows when the hatch is opened/closed)
2. Short in licence plate light caused by water, corrosion or metal tab shorting to ground

Make sure all 3 fuses are good , remove 47 & 48. Turn the lights switch on and while watching or having someone else watching the dashlights, open & close the hatch a few times and wiggle the wire harness inside the hinge when it is open.. if the fuse blows peel back the top of the wiring harness cover and you will likely see the 3 or 4 wires with the isulation broken, carefully apply tape around each one, then tape them together and put the cover back in place. problem solved..

Fuse 32 also feeds the license plate lamps. Sometimes those get wet & corroded inside; or they can short to the body, so look for burned edges on the metal pieces of the bulb holder..