Happened to me a few months ago. My back-up light switch at the tranny was
bad. It's only about a five minute job and the part is about $5. To test:
Remove leads from tranny back up light switch. Install new fuse. Turn on key
(but don't start van...probably helps if you have a helper here) with Van in
reverse gear. Again, the van is not running. I'm also assuming you have some
competent person in drivers seat making sure the van isn't going any where.
At least block the wheels and be careful. OK? 'Cause if the van _does_ go
somewhere, it's probably going to be over you. Ok, now scramble back to your
back-up light switch leads. Short them together. Do your back up lights go
on? Fuse stays intact? Then it's the switch. If the lights don't go on, or
you immediately blow a fuse, start some basic troubleshooting. My next steps
would be to check the grounds at the bulbs, and check the bulb sockets for
corrosion. I'm pretty sure it's the switch, though. All in all, a pretty
satisfying, cheap repair.

Have fun.

Tim King
Seattle, WA
87 Syncro Westy

PS -- you do mean new _bulbs_ , right? In the existing tail light sockets,
right? You didn't just install some halogen foglights piggybacked onto your
existing back up light wiring, did you? If so, all bets are off 'cause those
suckers are going to be drawing more current than your wiring can handle.
There's no relay now, but if this is the system you are using, you'll want
to add one.
----- Original Message -----
From: Daniel Danrich <danrich@ccmaui.net>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2000 9:25 PM
Subject: New backup lights keep blowing the fuse !~~

> Why even using a 30amp fuse it still blows the fuse on my new backup
lights
> could it be the relay?
> I'm stumped, help?
> VWMad