QuestionQUESTION: This vehicle has developed an issue dying or not starting. It blows the 20amp fuse (marked engine controller)either directly at startup or on 3 occasions it has started and ran for 30+ min then died. I have put in no less than 20 fuses with no resolution. I would be very excited if you were able to help me.
ANSWER: Hi Wendy,
For clarity, is this blowing fuse the 4th fuse from the front on the inboard row of 5 fuses (with an outboard row of 5 fuses just adjacent, these being located in the square power box under the hood)? I don't have a label listing if fuses, or for "engine controller" fuse, but what I call fuse B (20 amp) does send current to the engine and the transmission controllers among other things. So let me know if I have the wrong fuse in mind.
That B fuse sends current thru the automatic shutdown relay to the field coils of the alternator, to the spark coil, and to fuel injectors, as well. A short circuit in the alternator field coils or wiring circuit is one possibility. There could also be a short in the ignition coil and fuel injector circuit and even in the tramsmission solenoid pack. But we can try self-diagnosis.
Rather than looking at all those circuits, the first thing I would do is try the ignition key: "on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the check engine light, which remains 'on', to see it begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat the process to assure an accurate set of flash counts. You then group the counts in pairs in the order of appearance to form 2-digit fault code numbers that are of diagnostic use in determining why the fuse is blowing. Let me know the numbers and we'll go from there.
If the check engine light doesn't do the flashing, etc. then you will have to use an OBD-II code reader that plugs into a socket under the dash by the steering wheel to get the codes. You can often get a free code readout at an Autozone or similar nationwide parts store chain so go there. If none is near you then an independent garage will do the readout for around $40. '97 was the year when code systems changed, thus my uncertainty about which way you will get the codes on your car.
That is the most efficient way to get to the bottom of the problem.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer. Thanks
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QUESTION: Can you tell me if the engine controller is in fact the same thing as the powertrain control module? I get confused as I finnd no reference to an engine controller except in the fuse diagram in the owners manual. You have offered excellent advice and I apologize for the delay in getting back with you. I do not have constant access to internet at this time. Thank you for your excellent service.
Wendy
ANSWER: Hi Wendy,
Yes those are two names for the same module. Tell me what you found so far. The location of the pcm in the '97 is in one of two places: if the power box under the hood is square in shape then the pcm is hidden under the air intake filter at the front corner of the passenger side. If the power box is wide and narrow and on the driver side of the compartement then the pcm is in front and slightly below that power box. Please let me know which is the set up in your '97. I have the '98 and the '94 manuals and one of those applies to your situation, I just can't be sure which it is.
Roland
PS If you would be so kind as to 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about 'volunteer of the month' consider giving a 'yes' answer, I would be most appreciative. Thank you
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QUESTION: My concorde is actually a 98, I stated 97 due to when it was manufactured. I have replaced the ASD Relay. It ran about 45 minutes, after 20 minutes I went out to the car and held the RPM at 3000 for 30 seconds 3 times, then left it again. I was elated when it was still running but at 45 min it died. It had again blown a 20 amp fuse. I have discovered that it actually requires a 10 amp fuse, however, my ex thought putting a 20amp in would fix the problem. I will note that the fuse box was quite warm from idling that long. Not sure if that information is of any relevance. I believe My car has the 2 40 pin connectors that goes to the PCM under the intaks. As the vehicle is out in the elements and it has been icky weather, well I am hoping to get to work on it again, just not sure exactly when. Are PCM's expensive? COuld this be the culpret? My next thought was: could this in any way be connected to the fuel relay, fuel injectors, or coils? Thank you again...Wendy
AnswerHi Wendy,
I am not clear on where the fuse is that is blowing. Do you mean the fuse box behind the left end cap of the dash, or the one under the hood. And if the box under the hood, please describe the location. I don't see any 10 amp fuses under the hood so perhaps this is in the box at the dash, and if so might that be #13 as it does power the pcm and the fuel pump relay. Please describe the under hood box's shape and location. I need specifics if we are going to get anywhere.
Roland
PS Thanks for the rating and nomination.
