30 Amp ECM Fuse keeps blowing!!!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6
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From: Weaverville, NC
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
I have been working on a '92 Cherokee/xj with the 4.0HO that is blowing a 30amp fuse under the hood labeled "Electronic Control Mod". The starter will still turn but it will not fire. The fuse blows immediately when the key is switched to start. I disconnected the connector attached to the ECM (drivers side next to airbox) and tried to start and the fuse did not blow (of course the engine didn't start either). I also disconnected the fuel pump (to be sure it wasn't bad) and the fuse still blew.
After some very helpful advice from Willys55 (thanks again) and a break in the weather I've continued troubleshooting. When the a fuel pump relay is removed (and the ecm is still connected) the fuse does not blow. If I put the relay in but disconnect the wires to the fuel pump (going into the gas tank) the fuse blows. I've found that this circuit also includes two items: a "ballast resistor" and a "ballast resistor relay". I found the resistor and it seems okay. This might sound ignorant but how do you test a relay? I have a good multimeter but have long forgotten how to test relays. Where is the "ballast resistor relay"? Could this be my problem? Any other pointers would be helpful. Thanks.
After some very helpful advice from Willys55 (thanks again) and a break in the weather I've continued troubleshooting. When the a fuel pump relay is removed (and the ecm is still connected) the fuse does not blow. If I put the relay in but disconnect the wires to the fuel pump (going into the gas tank) the fuse blows. I've found that this circuit also includes two items: a "ballast resistor" and a "ballast resistor relay". I found the resistor and it seems okay. This might sound ignorant but how do you test a relay? I have a good multimeter but have long forgotten how to test relays. Where is the "ballast resistor relay"? Could this be my problem? Any other pointers would be helpful. Thanks.
Last edited by waoracing; Jan 11, 2010 at 07:26 PM. Reason: More info
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 37
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From: Rio Linda/Sacramento, Ca
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Is the relay a factory relay from the fuse box, or a typical relay?
If it is a standard relay there should be numbers on the back 85, 86, 87, 87a and 30
If 12v is applied to 87 and 85, when ground is is applied to 86, Connection 30 should read 12v's
If it is a standard relay there should be numbers on the back 85, 86, 87, 87a and 30
If 12v is applied to 87 and 85, when ground is is applied to 86, Connection 30 should read 12v's
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