Chrysler Repair: power outlet in a 2001 Neon, socket shell, fuse box

Question
I have a 2001 Neon that keeps blowing its fuse for the auxiliary power outlet. It has just started happening a month ago. Up until then I ran my satellite radio through it with no problems. I have tried replacing the fuse twice and as soon as I turn on the car it blows. Help??

Answer
Hi Tammy,
I assume that the fuse you are speaking of is in the cabin fuse box, not the box under the hood.
It appears that a red wire connects the fuse to the auxiliary power outlet. I would suspect that there is either a metallic foreign object that has fallen into the outlet or the outlet itself has failed internally so as to short circuit the current between the red wire and the socket shell which is directly returning the unused current to the battery via a black wire in an amount that blows the fuse. I would take a look carefully in the socket to see if an object like a coin or screw has fallen into the socket and if not, then reach under the instrument panel through the access hole and disconnect the red wire and the black wire from the socket (they are probably a pull off connectors). Then unscrew the socket and get a replacement at a dealer's parts counter. There is no other likely explanation of the fuse blowing than that, unless the wires are touching behind the panel which causes a short circuit. So see if they might be touching before you remove them.
Roland