2001 A6 2.7T Electrical short.

[Huw Powell]

>>So now begins the tiresome task of tracing the short or fault.
>>
>>>any ideas why this is happening?
> 
> Yup.  Your owner's manual should say what circuits that fuse
> protects.  Unplug/disconnect/remove those items, and see if
> the problem goes away (that is, see if the fuse *doesn't* blow).

I have to take issue with the "keep blowing the fuse" method.  It risks 
fire and damage wherever the fault is.  If this method *must* be used, 
at least use a much smaller fuse.  A better way is to use a lower fuse 
*and* an ammeter in series where the fuse was, so the current draw of 
various circuits can be determined, one at a time.

> If the fuse still blows, then the problem is probably between
> the battery and the fuse.

The problem can't be between the battery and the fuse. It has to be 
somewhere in the circuits the fuse protects.

As many have by now pointed out, the first thing you need is a list of 
what is on that fuse circuit.  Then, you can start to examine the 
devices, and to some extent, the wiring, for obvious faults.

If nothing comes up with the visual examination, it's time to unplug 
everything, set up a meter and fuse (or, in desperation, a test light 
and fuse) and connect the devices one at a time (connect A, remove, 
connect B, remove, etc.) to see if any one thing draws an unusual or 
unexpected current.

This can be a pain to do when some devices or circuits are operated 
through logic boxes, like interior light timers, but it's the only way 
to try to find the fault.

You may discover that with everything disconnected (lights bulbs out, 
etc.) there is still a high draw.  This would point to wiring damage, or 
an unidentified device on the circuit.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/