spare tire caught on fire now efi fuse keeps popping

[willyt4r]

While driving to dolly my Son's CRX Si. I was pulled over by a fellow motorist and was informed that my truck was on fire. When I pulled over i indeed had flames coming from the spare tire. While we were waiting for the CHP to come_ a grueling 5 minutes-. A passing utility truck on the frontage road just happened to stop and he had a fire extinguisher. We promptly put out the immediate tire fire and waited. we unhitched the trailer and dropped the still smoldering tire from the carrier. The fire department doused the tire to be safe.
There was no other damage - save for some rubber that melted and flame marks- that I could see.
When we ready to leave the truck wouldn't start. I have a full tank still- that was a scary thought- fuel pressure at the rail. But the EFI fuse would pop on crank. Had to tow it and the dolly back to the Uhaul.
The next several days I scoured the info on the T4R and Yota tech blogs. I check for crispy wires on the O2 sensors and engine to frame rounds. Still no start. Had to get another tow to the trusted mechanic and wait.

 

[Iroke17]

What caused the tire to light?

 

[mikebontoft]

wait was your spare in the factory location? how the heck does it catch on fire??

 

[4runnin83]

Note to self: Purchase Fire Extinguisher


Perhaps a ground wire got singed? Glad you nothing catastrophic happened and you were able to salvage the truck. A friend of mine had to watch his trail rig burn when his CAT cought some high/dry grass on fire, and subsequently his truck

 

[92-SR5]

I ALWAYS carry a fire extinguisher with me. I have used them too. Once I used one on my buddy's jeep, so I had second thoughts. Jk
Seriously though, Jeep spewing ATF on the header + the forest in August = recipe for disaster.

 

[RAD4Runner]

Too close to the exhaust?

 

[KidVermicious]

Count me among those that really want to know how that fire started.

And since nobody has mentioned it yet, I'd be checking your fuel pump and wiring. The stock location is close enough to the gas tank that maybe something got too hot. Hope the mechanic doesn't bend you over too bad.

 

[GonOvr]

I had a spare tire go up in flames once, my truck was hit with an rpg though.

 

[KidVermicious]

I had a spare tire go up in flames once, my truck was hit with an rpg though.

You should ask them not to shoot at you. That's not safe.

 

[Hyde802]

Man thats weird. Glad you and your runner are ok. THat could have ended much worse.

 

[willyt4r]

exhaust got hot something moved

I had a new exhaust installed a year ago. perhaps when the little trailer was hooked up U haul slammed into the tire and dislodged it causing contact with the exhaust. It wasn't an issue for the past year - i really cant say how the spare caught fire.
On a better note I do have the entire swing out Factory carrier with the tailgate. Now I have to figure how to install the interior bracket. it was bolted into the support member and a couple of spot welds. i think I can gain access from the inside panel.
Thanks for the supportive.words
Willy

 

[GonOvr]

You should ask them not to shoot at you. That's not safe.

Actually its my own fault, we ran over a 40lbs pressure plate IED and that kicked off the onslaught that immediately followed to include about eleventy billion 7.62 and .50cal rounds being fired at a mountain side where our rpg and his little buddies came from. Then air support came in for about 5 minutes and everything was quiet again. Luckily no serious injuries, just short term hearing loss and extreme amounts of adrenaline. We put the fire out and loaded it on the back of a wrecker and continued on.

Sorry about your rig, you may want to investigate alittle further and ensure it was infact your exhaust that caused the fire. I wouldn't think the tail end of the exhaust would get hot enough for that but anythings possible.

 

[Jonny]

I had a new exhaust installed a year ago. perhaps when the little trailer was hooked up U haul slammed into the tire and dislodged it causing contact with the exhaust. It wasn't an issue for the past year - i really cant say how the spare caught fire.
On a better note I do have the entire swing out Factory carrier with the tailgate. Now I have to figure how to install the interior bracket. it was bolted into the support member and a couple of spot welds. i think I can gain access from the inside panel.
Thanks for the supportive.words
Willy

NOT COOL!
sorry you had to go through this man...
I am right up the road and have a factory mounted tire swing if you need to take measurements on the inner spot welds. :bigok:

 

[KidVermicious]

There's a definite lack of resolution in this thread. Why was the EFI fuse popping?

 

[willyt4r]

crispy wires on top of the frame

there were 8 burnt wires that were above the the frame that caused the electrical shorts. The fire and resulting shorts ruin the fuel pump and injector circuit. The wiring was repaired ( spliced , soldered and heat shrinked )and the fuel injectors replaced. One of the injectors was grounded out- not sure if it was part of the electrical damage or a prior condition.
The truck is up and running great - My DD and road trip vehicle. I am in the process of retrofitting a swing out carrier.
Thank you for your support.:tea:

 

[tor-redneck]

good to hear. i sure am interested in why she caught in the first place. quit holding back. who did u piss off?

 

[4runnerBrett]

Ya if you have any idea how it caught fire that would be good to know. I noticed my spare tire has a burnt spot on it when I got it back from my brother.