Firstfives.org

The problem began last night after I tried, unsuccessfully, to replace a non-functioning stereo amp. New amp didn't work either. Found a loose connection at the amp fuse. After tightening the connection, I got a major spark while trying to reconnect the negative battery lead so I disconnected the amp completely. No spark at the battery but then had no electric at all. Then I disconnected power to the stereo head unit (so no stereo system components were connected at all). After that I was able to reconnect to the battery and start the car as normal. Unfortunately it ran for only five seconds before stalling out with a blown fuel pump fuse. Now the fuse blows every time I turn the ignition switch. Did I cause a short somewhere? Everything else seems functional. I'm pretty ignorant so any suggestions are very much appreciated.

your car did not come factory with an amp. So, where did you wire the power to. is it an inline fuse for the amp?

also, read Lenny D.'s post under "Baffled again with Driveability Problems"
Chances are when you were wiring up your sound system you shorted something. the hardest thing to find is a short in a wire. Because it may be at the point where you cut the wire or it may be at another point on the wire because you pulled on the wire to splice into it. Like he says 30+ yr. old car! I have a 1975 and it runs great right now. All i have done to it is replace the exhaust, from manifolds to tail pipe. And remove the emissions equipment. I dare not touch anything else for fear that i will screw something up. I have 30+ yrs with cars, but cars this old are very fragile. So i will fix as needed. If i were to upgrade my stereo i would go directly to the battery. not splice into 30 yr old wire.

The amp is wired directly to the battery with an inline fuse. I first installed it two years ago because the head unit alone produced sound distortion at moderately high volume. The stereo system functioned fine for 1 1/2 years. Then the powered subwoofer stopped functioning. The the amp quit about two weeks ago. The stereo wiring was all new - no splices. But older wires got bumped and wiggled in the process so who knows? I hear ya about not messing with a good thing though. I cringe when I look at the old sensor wires criss-crossing the engine bay right next to the hot engine with their crumbling little protective shields. Its just a matter of time. I'm taking it in to a master mechanic next week.