Fuse problem-antenna, door lights, trunk light, dome light

[CallTheBall]

I have a 1983 300SD with close to 206k miles on it.
I just noticed that my antenna does not retract, my courtesay lights for the doors do not come on when the door is opened,the trunk light does not come on and the interior dome light is not coming on either. In the brief troubleshooting I've done, I've concluded that all of this stuff is controlled by one fuse, which was blown. So I pulled it out, put in the 8 amp spare that was in the fuse box and it popped again as soon as the circuit was closed. Now I don't have anymore of these fuses, where can I get them ASAP? Weird looking things. I'm thinking that there is probably a short somewhere that is the cause of this, but I'm wondering where? Is there an area that is prone to this type of problem? I just hate electrical problems and this is not the only problem with this car, but this is the one that concerns me the most. I can live with sunroof that opens sometimes, a heater switch that doesn't work, but when the lights start having problems I'm concerned.

[donbryce]

Those fuses are all over the place. Volkswagons use them too, I think. As far as your problem, which sounds like a short, you might try disconnecting all devices on the circuit (antenna, bulbs, etc.), then verify with a spare fuse that it doesn't blow, then try connecting things one at a time until you isolate the culprit. If it blows with everything disconnected, it would likely be a wire in the harness. A very 'unprofessional' technique, and you'll need some spares, but it might save you a lot of time.

[86560SEL]

Wow, the 2nd 83' 300SD posted on here in two days with this fuse popping.

When I had my 82' BMW 733i, I had never seen fuses like this before. I think I ended up getting them at CarQuest, but I think that most places carry them now.

You probably already know this, but just to be safe, please do not install a higher amperage fuse (or use aluminum foils) than what is recommended for that slot. Someone here on the board did this the other day and almost burned up the fuse block.

[CallTheBall]

I looked at Walmart and they do carry the fuses, but only in a pack that is intended to be an emergency replacement type of pack. There are only 2 of the 8 amp fuses in there for $2.67. I can see myself blowing a lot of fuses trying to isolate the components on this circuit just to see which one is causing the problem. I have got to check an auto parts store when I get a chance.