Glow Timer Blows 5A Fuse

[Gregster613]

I wanted to ask if anyone else has had issues with their glow timer malfunctioning (out of the blue)? I just replaced my combo switch, put it all back together, went to start it up and no go! I had no timer light, checked the fuse and it was blown. Put in fresh fuse and it blew instantly. I tore it back apart, unplugged my timer put another fuse into the slot. It held good while the timer was out of the system but blew as soon as I plugged the harness into the timer.

I "ASSUME" that means the timer went bad? I ordered a new timer and I'll know for sure once it gets here but I wondered if anyone else has had something like this happen to them? I'm not the sharpest with electrical issues and have not a clue how to trouble check the old timer? I do know that I get a constant 12V to one side of the fuse spot in the fuse block - all the time, even with switch off. I don't know if that's supposed to be so or not. I've never had issues with the glow system before. I've read about a lot of glow plug issues and am ready for that side of the troubles -- but the timer malfunctioning? Not so much!
If anyone has advice, I'm all ears!! Thanks Greg

 

[oldnslo]

Does the other side of the fuse connection show continuity to ground with the timer plugged in but fuse removed? If yes then something in the timer circuit has failed - shorted to ground which would cause the fuse to blow.

 

[garry1p]

replaced my combo switch, put it all back together,

If the glow timer was working OK before you replaced the combo switch I would suspect something other than the glow timer.
What is connected to the combo switch that could cause the problem?

 

[Gregster613]

Does the other side of the fuse connection show continuity to ground with the timer plugged in but fuse removed? If yes then something in the timer circuit has failed - shorted to ground which would cause the fuse to blow.

Oldnslo, Good question - I don't know, I'll do that type test tomorrow. Thanks for the thought/advice and I sure hope nothing in the circuit just went bad. I hate trying to trace out lines, etc., etc.

 

[Gregster613]

If the glow timer was working OK before you replaced the combo switch I would suspect something other than the glow timer.
What is connected to the combo switch that could cause the problem?

I know it worked the last time I started up the tractor. A lot of things are combined in the combo switch - horn, high & low lights, turn signals. Nothing with the glow system though. They all are working great with the new switch in place. Which is what stumped me. I put the dash all back together; tested the new switch to ensure all was working and thought great! Today I went to run the rig and found out the no go. I've ordered a new timer and when it arrives I'll find out if that was the issue or not. I just thought I'd ask if this had occurred to anyone else before. I do suspect it was just coincidence that it happened. Least that's what I hope!