[Kenr]

dome light doesn't work... hasn't for awhile, the bulb is not burned out (I've replaced the bulb multiple times with no luck) and everytime I tried to replace the fuse it immediately blows. Any experience with this?

I was told by a mechanic that there is a short somewhere under my dashboard, but he didn't want to bother with it d/t cost vs. benefit (I'm thankful that he's honest).

I don't know if this is related, but I have multiple electrical issues with the car (intermittent temporary non-starts d/t theft system dash light, radio button lights going out, etc.) The previous owner had aftermarket stereo, amps and subwoofers installed but all was removed when I bought it.

 

[Starship]

It sounds like the previous owner did a hack job of it. I'd start with looking over what mess is behind the radio. Which fuse blows? Do you own a multimeter and know how to use it?

 

[DrivenDaily]

As a work-around you can run a new wire. I don't know if your dome is turned on by a (+) coming from the door switch or a (-) signal from it. Either way, the (+) is what is shorting to ground. Like SS says, check what's behind the radio. Someone, either the former owner or the shop, hacked it badly.

 

[Kenr]

circuit city did it and pretty much everybody else I've talked to said that they screwed it up, although they didn't point me to look behind the radio.

I don't know how to use a multimeter, but I know some ppl who can probably show me or do it for a case of Bud ...

thanks you guys have been a big help.

btw, as to which fuse, off the top of my head IDK, its been awhile, but pretty sure it was the dome light fuse, but I'll look tonight when I get home...

 

[Starship]

Which fuse is important because the short is downstream of it. Anyway, if there were any cutting and splicing involved, it'd probably be behind the radio. That's the most logical place to start and then you can follow the wiring to the fuse blocks on either end of the dash and BCM on the passenger side. See the wiring under the dash:

http://cid-54465800aad91b49.office.live.com/self.aspx/pub/Left%20Side%20of%20Dash.gif
http://cid-54465800aad91b49.office.live.com/self.aspx/pub/Right Side of Dash.gif