Fuse 4 pops occasionally.

[tandemdriver]

Hi guys,
I have a 1998 vw Sharan 1.9tdi Sport. I have had her for just over a year and done 13000 miles with no significant issues. Last week jumped in and tried to start, the dashboard lit up but the engine wouldn't turn.
Found fuse 4 popped. Replaced it and all was well for one week, then today it happened again. Fuse looks more severely blown this time, but again, replaced it and all is well. Any ideas?

Where do I need to be looking for the other end. Does the wiring run anywhere volnerable to damage/vibrstion/shorts.
Cheers
Jkd

[Chrispb]

Hello 

Had a look at the book and it say's your reversing lights are also on this fuse, if the fuse is blowing when reverse gear is engaged then the first thing I would check is the wiring through the tailgate rubber gaiter this is prone to wires breaking/chaffing and shorting together and causes all sorts of problems.

[tandemdriver]

Cheers for that

Makes a lot of sense.
On both occasions it followed reversing into a parking space.
Will investigate the loom around the tailgate first thing in the morning. Many thanks for your speedy reply.
Jkd