My Cherokee blows (fuses)

Dave Rethoret · 07-21-2009, 02:03 PM

I have a '94 that's taken to blowing the 30 amp fuse that supplies power to the fuel pump, ECM, ign. coil and O2 sensor. It'll suddenly blow the fuse, no symptoms, no warning. It might go for a couple months without problems then toss a couple fuses in fifteen minutes. I've found no bare or broken wires and short of pulling the whole harness out and stripping it down, I'm at a loss. Any ideas?

Pnguyen7 · 07-21-2009, 02:16 PM

Jmartinez (not exact on name) have a 96 XJ Automatic that are blowing the small 30 amp fuse in our power distribution box. We are not to sure on what it is but I just got the owner's manual shipped to me because the lid doesn't tell you what the fuses run off of. I ran to the corner it blew, I put 10 fuses (not a exageration) to get home 4 blocks away. Sound close to yours?

Dave Rethoret · 07-21-2009, 07:31 PM

Yeah, close but not as bad. Did you find the problem with yours?

Pnguyen7 · 07-21-2009, 08:34 PM

No Still having the problem

ibobm · 08-15-2009, 11:25 AM

My son's 1996 XJ is having the same problem. I have to say that I really love driving this car. What a blast! I gets us every where in style. Making the long story sort, the power went out on the freeway in rush hour traffic after going over some uneven pavement (construction) so I had the XJ towed home. The tow truck driver wouldn't tow the XJ unless the rear drive shaft was disconnected and the driveshaft wired out of the way. Of course, the driveshaft broke loose and was ruined by dragging on the ground. Talk about a PITA! I figured I would troubleshoot the blown fuse first...

I am having the exact same problem you guys are. The same fuse continues to blow and I haven't been able to find the direct short yet. I do need to get a proper wiring diagram so that I am not flailing madly and will be on eBay looking for a factory manual after I write this. Have either of you found your problem? Was it a bad component?

I have my fingers crossed. Someone must have come across this before.

captainwoot · 08-15-2009, 11:42 AM

Hello, I'll try to help, first get your service info and find out what is connected to that circuit. when the fuse blows that means excessive current flow ie. short to ground(frame chasis etc.) if you take a test light or headlamp bulb and connect it to the terminals of the fuse cavity (while it is shorted) the bulb will light. Then you can start disconnecting components untill the light goes out. when the light goes out you have found your problem, possibly shorted o2 sensor etc. another posibility is the fuel pump is on its way out, causing an excessive amperage draw. Good luck

ibobm · 08-15-2009, 03:22 PM

I think that troubleshooting process will work great as a first step. If all the components check out, I am in for a great deal of pain if there is a short in the wiring harness. I didn't see any obvious signs of rubbing or abrasion when looking at the wiring bundles.

I have a gut feeling the three of us are experiencing the same problem. Honestly, I was hoping one of the other folks had already gotten their XJ's running again and I could quickly check their solution.

Your comment on the fuel pump might be right on the mark. My pump has always made a very high pitched noise. None of the other Cherokees I have been in (6) have had this same noise which makes me wonder...

Once I have the proper wiring diagram in my hand, I should be dangerous!

captainwoot · 08-15-2009, 05:46 PM

GOOD LUCK! Does this help?

ibobm · 08-16-2009, 12:17 AM

CaptainWoot,
YOU ROCK!

My boys and I will get on this tomorrow. By any chance do you have the layout of the fuses in power distribution center? My fuse layout is different than what is shown in the owner's manual. The fuse that is blowing is the only 30 amp mini fuse in the center and I believe it is #11 but best to double check.

Thanks,
Bob

ibobm · 08-16-2009, 01:23 PM

okay, I am getting a little more info....

When I pull the relay labeled "ASD" the 30 amp mini fuse does not blow with the key in the run position. With a known good relay in the "ASD" position, the fuse blows.

My next thought:
Is this circuit #12 in the power distribution center? I am some what confused here. I just had shoulder surgery so my thinking is a little muddled. Thank God my son can do the physical work! If I am understanding the schematic correctly, a second relay doesn't exist on the #12 circuit so the ASD relay must control a different circuit.

Any help would be appreciated!

captainwoot · 08-16-2009, 01:36 PM

Sorry it took so long to get back to you, still tring to figure the site and stuff out, Hopefully this helps

captainwoot · 08-16-2009, 01:43 PM

Here is another one, If you don't get a responce from me here drop me an email.

captainwoot · 08-16-2009, 01:48 PM

Sorry ibobm, I can't find a good complete pic of fuse layout.

ibobm · 08-16-2009, 06:54 PM

Thank you for all the help. This will give me a little more to chew on. I'll post my results.

ol"blue · 08-16-2009, 07:10 PM

Jeep Wiring diagrams

08-15-2009, 11:25 AM	#5
ibobm Newbie Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 6 My Photos 1996 Cherokee Year: 1996 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: 5 speed Transfer Case: np231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: BFG 30x9.5R15 Lift Specifications: 2" budget lift	same problem My son's 1996 XJ is having the same problem. I have to say that I really love driving this car. What a blast! I gets us every where in style. Making the long story sort, the power went out on the freeway in rush hour traffic after going over some uneven pavement (construction) so I had the XJ towed home. The tow truck driver wouldn't tow the XJ unless the rear drive shaft was disconnected and the driveshaft wired out of the way. Of course, the driveshaft broke loose and was ruined by dragging on the ground. Talk about a PITA! I figured I would troubleshoot the blown fuse first... I am having the exact same problem you guys are. The same fuse continues to blow and I haven't been able to find the direct short yet. I do need to get a proper wiring diagram so that I am not flailing madly and will be on eBay looking for a factory manual after I write this. Have either of you found your problem? Was it a bad component? I have my fingers crossed. Someone must have come across this before.

08-15-2009, 11:42 AM	#6
captainwoot Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hanover,Ont, Canada Posts: 523 My Photos 1998 Cherokee Year: 1998 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.o Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: np242 Front Axle: dana Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: BFG mud terrain 31x10.50/15 KM2 Lift Specifications: 3"pro comp , additional 2" rear lift blocks Misc Accessories: remote start , Micket Thompson 15x8 signature series Black alloys, Sony "bluetooth" head unit.	blown fuses Hello, I'll try to help, first get your service info and find out what is connected to that circuit. when the fuse blows that means excessive current flow ie. short to ground(frame chasis etc.) if you take a test light or headlamp bulb and connect it to the terminals of the fuse cavity (while it is shorted) the bulb will light. Then you can start disconnecting components untill the light goes out. when the light goes out you have found your problem, possibly shorted o2 sensor etc. another posibility is the fuel pump is on its way out, causing an excessive amperage draw. Good luck

08-16-2009, 12:17 AM	#9
ibobm Newbie Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 6 My Photos 1996 Cherokee Year: 1996 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: 5 speed Transfer Case: np231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: BFG 30x9.5R15 Lift Specifications: 2" budget lift	CaptainWoot, YOU ROCK! My boys and I will get on this tomorrow. By any chance do you have the layout of the fuses in power distribution center? My fuse layout is different than what is shown in the owner's manual. The fuse that is blowing is the only 30 amp mini fuse in the center and I believe it is #11 but best to double check. Thanks, Bob Last edited by ibobm; 08-16-2009 at 12:27 AM..

08-16-2009, 01:23 PM	#10
ibobm Newbie Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 6 My Photos 1996 Cherokee Year: 1996 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: 5 speed Transfer Case: np231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: BFG 30x9.5R15 Lift Specifications: 2" budget lift	Actual Diagnostic Results okay, I am getting a little more info.... When I pull the relay labeled "ASD" the 30 amp mini fuse does not blow with the key in the run position. With a known good relay in the "ASD" position, the fuse blows. My next thought: Is this circuit #12 in the power distribution center? I am some what confused here. I just had shoulder surgery so my thinking is a little muddled. Thank God my son can do the physical work! If I am understanding the schematic correctly, a second relay doesn't exist on the #12 circuit so the ASD relay must control a different circuit. Any help would be appreciated! Last edited by ibobm; 08-17-2009 at 12:35 AM..

08-16-2009, 01:48 PM	#13
captainwoot Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hanover,Ont, Canada Posts: 523 My Photos 1998 Cherokee Year: 1998 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.o Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: np242 Front Axle: dana Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: BFG mud terrain 31x10.50/15 KM2 Lift Specifications: 3"pro comp , additional 2" rear lift blocks Misc Accessories: remote start , Micket Thompson 15x8 signature series Black alloys, Sony "bluetooth" head unit.	Sorry ibobm, I can't find a good complete pic of fuse layout. __________________ Respect is earned, not given Life is tough, get a helmet *1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport* *2005 Jeep Tj*

07-21-2009, 02:03 PM	#1
Dave Rethoret Newbie Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 6 My Photos	My Cherokee blows (fuses) I have a '94 that's taken to blowing the 30 amp fuse that supplies power to the fuel pump, ECM, ign. coil and O2 sensor. It'll suddenly blow the fuse, no symptoms, no warning. It might go for a couple months without problems then toss a couple fuses in fifteen minutes. I've found no bare or broken wires and short of pulling the whole harness out and stripping it down, I'm at a loss. Any ideas?

07-21-2009, 02:16 PM	#2
Pnguyen7 Junior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 43 My Photos 1996 Cherokee Year: 1996 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L Transfer Case: NP-231 Rear Axle: 8.25	Jmartinez (not exact on name) have a 96 XJ Automatic that are blowing the small 30 amp fuse in our power distribution box. We are not to sure on what it is but I just got the owner's manual shipped to me because the lid doesn't tell you what the fuses run off of. I ran to the corner it blew, I put 10 fuses (not a exageration) to get home 4 blocks away. Sound close to yours?

07-21-2009, 07:31 PM	#3
Dave Rethoret Newbie Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 6 My Photos	Yeah, close but not as bad. Did you find the problem with yours?

07-21-2009, 08:34 PM	#4
Pnguyen7 Junior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 43 My Photos 1996 Cherokee Year: 1996 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L Transfer Case: NP-231 Rear Axle: 8.25	No Still having the problem

08-15-2009, 03:22 PM	#7
ibobm Newbie Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 6 My Photos 1996 Cherokee Year: 1996 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: 5 speed Transfer Case: np231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: BFG 30x9.5R15 Lift Specifications: 2" budget lift	I think that troubleshooting process will work great as a first step. If all the components check out, I am in for a great deal of pain if there is a short in the wiring harness. I didn't see any obvious signs of rubbing or abrasion when looking at the wiring bundles. I have a gut feeling the three of us are experiencing the same problem. Honestly, I was hoping one of the other folks had already gotten their XJ's running again and I could quickly check their solution. Your comment on the fuel pump might be right on the mark. My pump has always made a very high pitched noise. None of the other Cherokees I have been in (6) have had this same noise which makes me wonder... Once I have the proper wiring diagram in my hand, I should be dangerous!

08-15-2009, 05:46 PM	#8
captainwoot Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hanover,Ont, Canada Posts: 523 My Photos 1998 Cherokee Year: 1998 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.o Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: np242 Front Axle: dana Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: BFG mud terrain 31x10.50/15 KM2 Lift Specifications: 3"pro comp , additional 2" rear lift blocks Misc Accessories: remote start , Micket Thompson 15x8 signature series Black alloys, Sony "bluetooth" head unit.	GOOD LUCK! Does this help?

08-16-2009, 01:36 PM	#11
captainwoot Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hanover,Ont, Canada Posts: 523 My Photos 1998 Cherokee Year: 1998 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.o Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: np242 Front Axle: dana Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: BFG mud terrain 31x10.50/15 KM2 Lift Specifications: 3"pro comp , additional 2" rear lift blocks Misc Accessories: remote start , Micket Thompson 15x8 signature series Black alloys, Sony "bluetooth" head unit.	Sorry it took so long to get back to you, still tring to figure the site and stuff out, Hopefully this helps __________________ Respect is earned, not given Life is tough, get a helmet *1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport* *2005 Jeep Tj* Last edited by captainwoot; 08-16-2009 at 01:41 PM..

08-16-2009, 01:43 PM	#12
captainwoot Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hanover,Ont, Canada Posts: 523 My Photos 1998 Cherokee Year: 1998 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.o Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: np242 Front Axle: dana Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: BFG mud terrain 31x10.50/15 KM2 Lift Specifications: 3"pro comp , additional 2" rear lift blocks Misc Accessories: remote start , Micket Thompson 15x8 signature series Black alloys, Sony "bluetooth" head unit.	Here is another one, If you don't get a responce from me here drop me an email. __________________ Respect is earned, not given Life is tough, get a helmet *1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport* *2005 Jeep Tj*

08-16-2009, 06:54 PM	#14
ibobm Newbie Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 6 My Photos 1996 Cherokee Year: 1996 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: 5 speed Transfer Case: np231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: BFG 30x9.5R15 Lift Specifications: 2" budget lift	Thanks! Thank you for all the help. This will give me a little more to chew on. I'll post my results.

08-16-2009, 07:10 PM	#15
ol"blue CF Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dandridge Tennessee & Mich. 48035 Posts: 20,791 My Photos 1997 & 2004 Grand Cherokee Year: 1997 & 2004 Model: Grand Cherokee Engine: 5.2 V8 ; 4.7 V8 Transmission: 4 spd Auto.; 5 spd. Auto Transfer Case: Both Have Full-Time 4WD Front Axle: D30 w/3.73 gear Rear Axle: D44A w/3.73 gear Tires: 245x70x16 Wrangler SRA's Lift Specifications: 97 Orvis Fact. Up Country Misc Accessories: Both have HD Cooling Systems & Tow Packages, '97 has Fact. Skid Plates	Jeep Wiring diagrams __________________ Dan '97 Grand Cherokee Limited Orvis Up Country 5.2, 4X4 '04 Grand Cherokee SE 4.7, 4X4 '04 Saturn Vue 250 HP V-6 AWD '85 Dodge Omni GLHTurbo T-2 282 WHP '86 Dodge Omni GLHTurbo T-2 397 WHP CBW Member # 97 www.cherokeetech.com If you're not breaking parts you're not making enough power!!! "I NEED MORE TRACTION, NOT MORE BOOST"

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Ignition-off draw fuse #16 blows	HeepSpeed	Cherokee Tech	8	08-03-2009 11:36 AM
fuse blows when headlights turned on	masteroak	Cherokee Tech	9	06-28-2009 01:24 AM
trailer electric blows my fuse!	pwn	Cherokee Tech	3	05-19-2009 09:59 AM
98 fuses	purplexj	Cherokee Tech	3	04-14-2009 10:28 AM
5 amp fuse blows for dash lights.	DOC1KOC1	Cherokee Tech	2	11-10-2008 10:59 AM