blazinbob

Hey all, having the dreaded random electrical issue. This go around is blowing Fuse #16 in the PDC in my 97 Cherokee.

Here's what I know: This fuse impacts 1) Gauge Operation, 2) Stereo Operation, 3) Dome Light, which is pretty common knowledge. The fuse blows approximately 30 Seconds after vehicle start. I pulled the Stereo out and pulled the plug on that. I physically cut the dome light wires going up the passenger A pillar to eliminate any short concerns in the roof, the only things left as far as I can tell is the Gauge Cluster and the Transmission Control module which in my mind is fairly unlikely to develop a short of some sort.

Feedback, guidance appreciated.

-bob

CCKen

Do you have an overhead console? 16 also feeds that. It may feed the remote keyless entry module in a mini dome light if you don't have an overhead console.

You can isolate the overhead by disconnecting connector C3 in the junction Block (which requires removing the entire cover off the JB).



As you know, 16 is fed from the battery bus until the engine is started then the alternator feeds the bus. How many volts is your alternator putting out?

blazinbob

The Alternator is putting out Roughly 14VDC at the Fuse. This is a pretty bare bones Jeep, no Console, No Under Hood Lamp, no Power anything (Thankfully).

I didnt totally grasp the C# in the Wiring diagram was a Physical Connector in the J-Box. I'm guessing that would have been a better option than cutting the Dome wires in the A-Pillar

I will try pulling C3 First to see if my fuse lives........... longer

Thanks

blazinbob

Sorry for the delay. Here's what has been done to narrow things down:

C3 Connector Pulled: No Change

Upon Troubleshooting problem seem related to Passenger door, as in when you open the door the fuse pops.

Removed Passenger Door Dome Light Switch: No Change

Appears the only thing all the door wires do is Speaker and Passenger Mirror:

Removed Door Panel Disconnected Mirror Plug: No Change

Little Perplexed at this point could use some next step suggestions.

-bob

Turbo X_J

Check wiring in the loom between the body & door.

blazinbob

I pulled the boot, surprisingly the wires all looked good in there. I've already repaired tailgate wiring and driver door wiring, but in both cases the wires were clearly worn and/or broken.

I'm not 100% its the passenger door, it just seemed to coincidental that the fuse blew as I opened the passenger door twice, but I really expected it to be the dome switch. When removing it didnt solve anything and pulling the door boot didnt expose any frayed wires I'm now scratching my head.

Anyone have some other ideas on this, it's really bugging me.

Thanks

freegdr

Did ya pull the wiring for door jamb switch out and check it ?

blazinbob

WOOOOOOOOOOT

Well this proved to be one of the more confounding electrical problems encountered so far. After unsuccessfully finding the problem through logic and traditional means I decided to go to war with this problem.

Not really.

You guys gave me some good ideas on the Connectors so I decided to look at likely culprit connectors such as C4, C3 and C7, all connectors that are fed from fuse 16. Well as luck would have it the first connector I pulled C7 stopped the fuse from blowing, PROGRESS!!

Now it was just a matter of figuring out which pin on C7 was the problem, I went with a likely culprit, Pin 4 which was the Tailgate Dome light switch and voila!! no more fuse blowing.

Thanks to ccken for his post with a c7 pinout it was immensely helpful:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/kee...p-fuse-176449/

Pray to God Roxy gives me a break for while on her crazy electrical issues.

-bob

CCKen

You're welcome.

Glad you got Roxy fixed.

keith yeager

Im haveing a similar issue with my cherokee and could use advice i have 1999 xj and the radio stoped playing sound i lost my electric windows and turn signals but still have dome lights power locks. And it keeps blowing fuse #16 under the hood when started

pomsct