I have a 97 Cherokee. I installed a radio in it (which I've done many times with no problems). Afterwards i tried to start it, everything came on but the jeep wouldn't start. I looked under the hood and the big 30amp starter/HBL fuse was blown. I put another in and it blew that one too. I removed the radio and put everthing back stock, but in another fuse and that blew too. I took the starter off and disconnected it, put another fuse in and it blew. I can't find anything grounding this thing. I've blown 8 fuses so far as soon as i put it in and reconnect the battery. Can anyone help me?

 

I just tried installing a new stereo too. The one fuse that I know has been blown is the one that controls the radio and everything. I needed a new radio anyways so I decided to tackle the problem all in one go. I buy the radio and I knew I had some fuses at home. So, I install the radio, crank the car, and WOO everything worked magnificent. Turned it off, walked inside and took what I thought was a well deserved break. What happened was the fuse I replaced blew like Timmy on his birthday cake. I go back out to clean up and the familiar scent of exploded fuse hit me and I pulled it out. Sure enough, blown. I am not gonna put in another fuse because I am pretty sure some wire is crossed or a ground has gone stupid. Also, when I turn it on now, the horn automatically triggers and will not go off unless the car is turned off(obviously). I do not know what happened to cause the horn to go berserk like that but now I am kinda worried. Any ideas on this too?

Note: The jeep I am driving used to sit facing uphill on our driveway. Somehow, it would collect masses of water on the inside because of a leak we cannot find. At first I thought this was what cause the blown fuse, but now after replacing and having it explode again, I am not so sure as to the cause.

'94 Jeep Cherokee 4wd 6 cylinder

 

My radio worked fine, but the car won't start. I have no clue to what's going on with your's.

 

You've got a short to ground in the starter circuit.

Does the fuse blow as soon as it's installed or when the key is turned to on/start?

 

As soon as i put it in it blows in less than 2 seconds. I disconnect the battery, then put the fuse in. As soon as I reconnect the negative the fuse Blows. Thanks

 

Disconnect both sides of the battery and then check for a direct short to ground with multimeter at the 30 fuse terminal.

 

I disconnected everything, but get the same results. Under the lid of the fuse box, it says starter/hbl. What is the hbl? Maybe that is what needs diagnosing of the short.