I officially bought a lemon, now having electrical issues

[mymalade]

I know yesterday I said that would be my last post, but this one is starting to kill me and I'm sure you guys have seen it before. I just bought a 2000 base model and have put less than 5 mi on it, but I am already running into heaps of trouble. The power steering pump pretty much exploded over the engine, most of the lock cylinders don't work, I got some clunks and rattles everywhere, and it is in dire need of a bath. I bought it as sort of a slow project car, but this is way more than I imagined. But..... My biggest issue right now is the radio fuse.

I have replaced the 15a ACC fuse 4 times now and it blows the instant I turn the key. There was an aftermarket alarm installed that I disconnected and made sure no wires were grounding out, and I unplugged all the cigarette lighters and also tried removing the radio, but it's still blowing the fuse.

From reading this forum it seems the dome light is connected to that fuse, but the dome light works, it's just the clock and radio that don't and the fuse instantly blows.
I really don't want to take this thing to a mechanic just yet, but I will necessary because I don't know anything about electrical issues. Before I do though, is there anything else I can check? I'm really hoping for an easy fix here.

 

[Skulking]

I know yesterday I said that would be my last post, but this one is starting to kill me and I'm sure you guys have seen it before. I just bought a 2000 base model and have put less than 5 mi on it, but I am already running into heaps of trouble. The power steering pump pretty much exploded over the engine, most of the lock cylinders don't work, I got some clunks and rattles everywhere, and it is in dire need of a bath. I bought it as sort of a slow project car, but this is way more than I imagined. But..... My biggest issue right now is the radio fuse.

I have replaced the 15a ACC fuse 4 times now and it blows the instant I turn the key. There was an aftermarket alarm installed that I disconnected and made sure no wires were grounding out, and I unplugged all the cigarette lighters and also tried removing the radio, but it's still blowing the fuse.

From reading this forum it seems the dome light is connected to that fuse, but the dome light works, it's just the clock and radio that don't and the fuse instantly blows.
I really don't want to take this thing to a mechanic just yet, but I will necessary because I don't know anything about electrical issues. Before I do though, is there anything else I can check? I'm really hoping for an easy fix here.

I don't have enough time to dig in to this right now, but per the wiring diagram, the following components are all on the 15A ACC fuse.

Auto Antenna
Cigarette Lighter and Clock
Multiplex Communication System
Power Outlet
Power Window (Rear), Rear Wiper and Washer
Radio and Player
Rear Window Defogger and Mirror Heater
Remote Control Mirror
Shift Lock
SRS
Theft Deterrent
Wireless Door Lock Control

If this behavior started immediately after you removed the alarm system, I'd be looking really closely at what you did there. Outside of that, the first place I'd be looking is the wires running through the boots in the drivers door and in the rear hatch as those are prone to breaking and can cause all sorts of weird problems.

 

[mymalade]

Thank you for the quick reply. I'm 99% sure the power locks are still working which is weird, and I believe the rear window also works.

The problem started before I took out the alarm, I pulled it out in hopes that it would fix it since I know those things are known to cause shorts, and I also didn't like all the random wires hanging under the dash.

I have the kick panel and driver door silver move so I will check those wires now.

 

[diverscale]

The problems you stated are all pretty minor per ''old project vehicle'' standards.

Electrical problems really do sucks, but once you figure this one out, the rest you told in your post is really nothing to worry about if the engine/trans/frame are in good shape.

 

[Devbot]

I'm willing to bet money you have a short somewhere. Which I know is a vague answer and probably not as detailed as you want to hear, but that's the only reason I could think of if it still happens with the accessories unplugged - that is how a fuse functions after all, by serving as a failsafe in the event of excessive current. My only advice in this regard would be to start following wires as best you can and see if anything is out of the ordinary; obvious damage, mouse bites, what-have-you. If you don't spot anything maybe regard a wiring diagram to follow the circuit more accurately

 

[octanejunkie]

Electrical issues and projects are a pain in the ass if you are not fully committed to them. I would remove the driver seat and lower dash cover, get some good lighting and a multimeter and get in there looking for the issue. It's going to suck.

Check the tail fuse under the hood first, should be 10A. I wonder if someone put a 30A in its place. Pull the radio and check that harness, sounds like fubar in there. I would look at the obvious and easy to access areas first before chasing the more mundane and remote like rear hatch or doors. If the previous owner installed alarm and stereo, that's where I'd focus first.

The power steering issue sounds like a blocked hose or failed pump. You can get a complete replacement at a junkyard - I see them all the time. Inspect and clean your house or replace.

Good news is these trucks are easy to work on and get parts for, there are literally a million of them still on the road.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[spartacus]

It could be a bad antenna relay in the dash just under the radio. part number 85914-35010

 

[calnhob]

I know yesterday I said that would be my last post, but this one is starting to kill me and I'm sure you guys have seen it before. I just bought a 2000 base model and have put less than 5 mi on it, but I am already running into heaps of trouble. The power steering pump pretty much exploded over the engine, most of the lock cylinders don't work, I got some clunks and rattles everywhere, and it is in dire need of a bath. I bought it as sort of a slow project car, but this is way more than I imagined. But..... My biggest issue right now is the radio fuse.

I have replaced the 15a ACC fuse 4 times now and it blows the instant I turn the key. There was an aftermarket alarm installed that I disconnected and made sure no wires were grounding out, and I unplugged all the cigarette lighters and also tried removing the radio, but it's still blowing the fuse.

From reading this forum it seems the dome light is connected to that fuse, but the dome light works, it's just the clock and radio that don't and the fuse instantly blows.
I really don't want to take this thing to a mechanic just yet, but I will necessary because I don't know anything about electrical issues. Before I do though, is there anything else I can check? I'm really hoping for an easy fix here.

Aftermarket radio?

Blown fuse = wire short (like 95% of the time). I had a short in the wiring to the speakers so it wasn't even related to the head unit.
Where are you in Socal?

 

[Pyral]

Modifications are always where electrical problems arise, especially after market alarms.

If the ACC fuse does control all those systems, then its very extensive. The radio wires run behind the dash and plug into the back of the radio.

The antenna has 2 sets of wires running to it, a single shielded wire to carry radio signal, and another set of wires that plug into the antenna motor located within the passenger fender. This stretch of wires can be seen by removing the glove box, the shielded antenna wire is one piece with the antenna motor. The power lines for the antenna motor plug into the motor at the fender.

The wires that run to the back of the car are located under the plastic door sills, the passenger door sill has some wires plus the tube for the rear window washer. The drivers side has many more wires, including ones for your fuel pump. The wires located in these locations aren't known to be problematic sense they don't move and are well protected.

The systems located within the doors (power windows, power locks, 3rd brake light, rear wiper) are the most problematic sense they bend when you open the door. So check the wires within those.

The most common electrical problem is a short. When I was having problems with my fog lights, I could put fuses twice the original rating and they would still pop immediately (don't use higher rated fuses). So if its happening the moment you turn something on you have a short.

 

[mymalade]

I'm willing to bet money you have a short somewhere. Which I know is a vague answer and probably not as detailed as you want to hear, but that's the only reason I could think of if it still happens with the accessories unplugged - that is how a fuse functions after all, by serving as a failsafe in the event of excessive current. My only advice in this regard would be to start following wires as best you can and see if anything is out of the ordinary; obvious damage, mouse bites, what-have-you. If you don't spot anything maybe regard a wiring diagram to follow the circuit more accurately

It looks like it was the actual radio, I disconnected it completely and the fuse does not blow anymore. Thank you.