Chrysler Repair: 00 Neon blows #10 fuse in the fuse block, torque converter clutch, torque converter clutch solenoid

Question
The fuse operates LDP ABS, PTU SOL, ENG RLYS, and ENG MOD. when I turn the key the fuse blows immediately.  I disconnected the starter relay but the fuse still blows. any assistance that you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Al Holland

Answer
Hi Albert,
Fuse #10 powers (in parallel) the engine control module (so that would be why the engine will not start if it blows but that alone doesn't point to the ecm as the cause), the torque converter clutch solenoid (if you have the automatic trans, located under the external valve body), radiator fan relay/fuel pump relay/ac compressor clutch relay (all located in the power box in the engine compartment), the antilock brake controller (if equipped) and the leak detection pump (located at the left rear above the fuel tank). The wire color to all those items is dark blue/white. Any one of them could cause the fuse to blow. You could either pull all the relays, disconnect the plugs to the clutch solenoid/engine control module pin 20 of plug #1/leak detection pump/abs controller and then put them back in one at a time/turn the key/see if the fuse blows OR you could put an ohmmeter between the upper pin of the #10 fuse socket and ground and read the ohm scale (which should show near 0) and then start pulling the same set of items until you find one the raises the reading noticeably compared to the other items. One way or the other you should be able to isolate the short circuiting item that is causing the fuse to blow. None of the items, alone, should draw much current so it ia also possible that the dark blue/white wire to one of the items has a break in its insulation and is touching metal. That will be a bit more of a challenge to chase down.
The starter relay is not involved with the #10 fuse.
Roland