Rear window demister fuse keeps blowing

[AndrewJ]

Some weeks ago the rear window demister fuse blew, ... and its replacement ... and another. My local garage has spent a lot of time without success. Especially as pink female fuses (which are smaller than PAL type 0-379-03) are as rare as hen's teeth. However, with a bit of fettling (i.e. fitting a male spade fuse) I have discovered that when the demister is switched on the side lights also come on ... and the fuse blows. (:-( Any ideas where to start looking for this fault?
1995 Bongo SGL3
Many thanks
Andrew Williamson

[teenmal]

Hi Andrew,

I would start by checking the wiring around, and in the tail gate for damage.

Cheers Mal..

[missfixit70]

I'd second that, sounds like the demister & numberplate wiring may be shorting, try at the flex section between door & body first, have you screwed anything into the rear door or that area recently?

[dreamwarrioruk]

I did a factsheet on this as the wires are very prone to damage in the grommet area. Certainly looks like it's shorting out