QuestionQUESTION: Chrysler Sebring Convertible. 2005. Replaced fuse #8 the other day and worked fine for a day and then today blew 3 fuses and still no start. Going to try and pick up and replace the starter relay tonight. Aside from that, the horn has not been working either, but we do hear a clicking sound when steering wheel pressed. Thanks for any assistance.
ANSWER: Hi Mitch,
If you mean fuse #8 in the power distribution box in the engine compartment (20 amp) then that is going to need some sleuthing. It provides the current to activate the starter motor solenoid switch and to activate the starter relay, the fuel pump motor, and also three sections of the ignition switch which in turn power many things. Do you notice if the fuse blows when you first turn the key to the "run" position, or does it blow when you then turn it to the "start" position? You can tell by listening for the fuel pump:
When you turn the key to "run" do you hear the fuel pump run for about a second and then stop (which is normal) or does it not even run, or only run for a second once and then won't even do that when you turn it to "run" again? If turning it to "run" and then "off" never blows the fuse, then it is likely the starter relay/starter solenoid circuit that is causing the fuse to blow.
So take your time and a have some replacement fuses and sort out the answer to my questions. Also, which size engine (L) do you have.
The horn needs fuse #8 behind the end cap of the dash so check for that.
Sorry for the questions but it is the only way to get to the bottom of this, other than disconnecting the various item that #8 powers up, and then reinstall them one at a time till we can find which item is overdrawing the fuse.
Roland
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QUESTION: Roland- In reading some web items, I tried something. I put a new fuse in #8, and removed the Fuel Pump Relay. The car started and then shut down. I guess cause no fuel pump. So does that mean something? Also, prior to this, we did put a new fuse in and turn the key and it blew when we turned the key to start. Hope that helps. Thanks.
AnswerHi Mitch,
That is interesting but not conclusive. While removing the fuel pump relay stopped the current to the fuel pump that might suggest that the fuel pump is shorted out. But the fuel pump also is called into action for 1 second whenever you turn the key to the run position, but then it is turned off automatically until you try the start position. On the other hand, the starter will start the engine without blowing the fuse if the fuel relay is removed. My thought is that either the pump circuit is drawing too much (but is not shorted to ground) or similarly the starter circuit is drawing too much but not shorted to ground. So unless you actually measured the current of each circuit you can't be sure which is at fault.
How about trying a 30 amp fuse and see what happens. It would be safe to do so. I am surprised that Chrysler put so many circuits on a 30 amp fuse to begin with.
Let me know what happens.
Roland
