Gauges and AC not working. Blown fuse, replaced fuse, blown again. What do?

[blairracd]

The gauge cluster stopped working, meaning every gauge arm is at the bottom.

I found it to be the gauge fuse to be blown, so I pulled out my spare fuses and replaced it, turned the key and the gauges didn’t work so that fuse blew immediately, too.

It’s late at night now so I was planning on going to an auto store in the morning.

TIA.

 

[sleepydad]

The gauge cluster stopped working, meaning every gauge arm is at the bottom.

I found it to be the gauge fuse to be blown, so I pulled out my spare fuses and replaced it, turned the key and the gauges didn’t work so that fuse blew immediately, too.

It’s late at night now so I was planning on going to an auto store in the morning.

TIA.

Your ac compressor is messed up. Disconnect the ground on top of the compressor so it does not try to lockup the stator/clutch. It could also be the bearing on the front of the compressor but I would expect some major squeaking because the compressor is locked up.

If the stator inside the compressor is messed up that is the fuse and it’s shared with the gauge cluster.

 

[4Reak Show]

Damn

 

[sleepydad]

i don't know if i'd used the word stator. I'd prefer magnetic clutch. Likely a short there. You can likely replace the clutch, bearing and pulley as a set without having to discharge ac. You'll need a feeler gauge and specs for the air gap for the hub-to-clutch spacing.

Figure out the short first, and if you plan on tackling the ac clutch post here and i can try and walk you thru it.

Good luck.

stator sub-assy, magnet clutch 884112a030

ಠ_ಠ

 

[blairracd]

Your ac compressor is messed up. Disconnect the ground on top of the compressor so it does not try to lockup the stator/clutch. It could also be the bearing on the front of the compressor but I would expect some major squeaking because the compressor is locked up.

If the stator inside the compressor is messed up that is the fuse and it’s shared with the gauge cluster.

Would you be able to take a picture of that for me, please? The ground that is.

 

[sleepydad]

Would you be able to take a picture of that for me, please? The ground that is.

it's not really a ground... it's 12 VDC+ but it's causing your trouble. there is only one electrical connection on the compressor, that is the one.

https://i.imgur.com/HLNJA90.jpg

if your looking at getting running again?

#1 unplug that grey plug, it's in a biach of a spot.
#2 this step is optional but probably a good idea: either remove the AC belt or cut it if everything is rusted up.

The only reason I say cut it is because you will have to replace the compressor (most likely) it's probably cheaper to re-build it but re-man denso's are pretty cheap now days. you should probably get a new belt anyways if you replace compressor and pulley. belts are pretty cheap also and just cutting the old one off is super easy. others here will disagree with me but... I'm pretty lazy when it comes to belts.

 

[blairracd]

Could you take a picture a little further away so I know if I have the right one?

 

[sleepydad]

Could you take a picture a little further away so I know if I have the right one?

it's right below the power steering pump on the passenger side.

it's hard to take a picture because you can't see the connection unless you get right down into the engine on the passenger side.

in the picture from before you can see the AC compressor pulley where the belt would go. mine is off because I'm working on a electric fan conversion right now... but you have to go at it from the passenger side. depending on the year of your truck the power steering might look a little different? what year is your truck?

<a href="https://imgur.com/8yHVq2P"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/8yHVq2Pl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

 

[blairracd]

1999.

After one stop this morning it barely started and it’s now running extremely rough, windows and locks and lights are all dead now.

I’m in another state at a gas station after limping off the highway. So I’m really scared to turn it off.

 

[blairracd]

it's right below the power steering pump on the passenger side.

it's hard to take a picture because you can't see the connection unless you get right down into the engine on the passenger side.

in the picture from before you can see the AC compressor pulley where the belt would go. mine is off because I'm working on a electric fan conversion right now... but you have to go at it from the passenger side. depending on the year of your truck the power steering might look a little different? what year is your truck?

<a href="https://imgur.com/8yHVq2P"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/8yHVq2Pl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

imgur: the simple 404 page is this the plug?

 

[sleepydad]

imgur: the simple 404 page is this the plug?

you will need a flashlight to see it, it's probably covered in a layer of gook. it's a biach to get your hand in there but it's there. follow that wire I put the arrown on.

<a href="https://imgur.com/0h6f6Jp"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/0h6f6Jpl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

 

[MaineRunna]

1999.

After one stop this morning it barely started and it’s now running extremely rough, windows and locks and lights are all dead now.

I’m in another state at a gas station after limping off the highway. So I’m really scared to turn it off.

It sounds like your alternator is not charging and your 4runner is running off the battery.
As for your other problem, the 10 amp gauge fuse in the driver's side junction box supplies power to the field coil in the heater relay and the fan switch supplies the ground. When energized, the heater relay supplies power from the 100 amp alternator fuse to the 50 amp heater fuse which powers the blower motor. The A/C compressor field coil gets it's 12V B+ from the 10 amp A/C fuse in the engine compartment junction box. Your problem is more likely a short to ground near the ECJB.

 

[Amateur]

Thanks a bunch sleepydad!! I have the same problem and it would likely have been a long time before I got to the AC compressor while looking for a short in the gauge cluster circuit.