Keep blowing fuse when i shift

[Jake]

Ive got an auto trans. Every time i manually downshift into 2nd, i blow the fuse for the instrument cluster/idle validation switch/a bunch of other things. What could be causing this? I tried checking for wires but i cant get the plastic piece off the top of the steering column, how do i remove that too?

[Jake]

I'd kinda like to get it fixed this afternoon.

[Dusty's Diesel]

It is your overdrive switch grounding out agaianst the steering wheel, I garantee it. Do you lose your fuel pedel also when the fuse blows?

[Jake]

Yep. The OD switch would cause it to blow when i shift to 2? How do i fix that?

[Dusty's Diesel]

There is two wires coming from that switch over time they rub a hole in thereselves from shifting. then when you move the shifter just right the bare wire hits the metel and grounds out and blows the fuse. Dash, fuel pedel ext.

[Jake]

Hm, is there an easy fix?

[Dusty's Diesel]

I took mine apart and jimmy rigged the switch under the dash in my old 7.3 because once I butt conected the wire I could't get the wires back through the shifter. I would recomend getting a whole new shifter, From a dealer or a junk yard. I believe it will have the switch and the wires in it and all you have to do is plugg the new wires in.

[Jake]

How do i remove the shifter?

[Dusty's Diesel]

You have to take out your dash then you have to take out your ignition tumbeler. Key has to be in the run position and you take something pointy and push the button and it will come out, also you have to unscrew the tilt wheel lever. then the plastic will come off the top. Also I think there is 2 or 3 screws from the bottom. You may be able to tape the wore spot.

[Jake]

Well, my dash is already pretty tore apart because of my harbor freight incident so half the work is done. I'm gonna go check that out right now. Ill let ya know later on if i got it fixed or not. Thanks alot for the help, i really appreciate it.