Chrysler Repair: # 8 fuse (ignition) continues to blow: 98 Sebring, solenoid switch, fuel pump relay

Question
Can't believe I may have finally found someone who knows about this problem.  Have been reading your answers from almost two years back and am hoping that in a nutshell you can tell me why my 1998 Sebring with only 63,000 miles and good battery continues to blow the # 8 fuse which naturally starts the car. I do have a friend who could possibly check out the problem if I knew where to start.  Would appreciate your help. Thanks,  Sunny

Answer
Hi Sunny,
I assume you have the convertible Sebring and that you are speaking of the #8 fuse in the power distribution box under the hood (Cirrus/Stratus also share the wiring diagram). It is 20 amp and is often described as the 'igniton' fuse.
It provides current to the starter motor relay (to operate the solenoid switch on the starter), the fuel pump relay (to power the fuel pump), and to 3 sections of the ignition switch (which actuate the starter motor relay, the fuel pump module, body control module, air bag control module, fan relays, a/c compressor relay, radio, combo light flasher, seat belt module, wiper relays).
Now to figure out what is causing the fuse to blow I would want to know if it blows when you simply turn the switch to the 'run' position or does it blow when you try the 'start' position or does it happen at some later point after the engine has started (and if so what might be assocciated with the blow at that time)?
To move ahead you have remove the relays and some of the plugs at the related devices that aren't controlled by the relays, possibly all at once and but them back in one at a time and measure the resistance to ground as 'seen' from fuse 8 (or plug the fuse in and see if it blows, or a combination of these techniques) or as seen from the 3 sections of the ignition switch which it powers (measure at the ignition switch's plug).
Do you have any specific history of when this began or any indication of which of all those systems might be the source of the excess current draw which causes the fuse to blow?
So I will await further information from you along these lines. If you no specific history to the problem or any indirect indication as to a cause, then disassembling the components/plugs while doing resistance measurement is probably the only way to isolate what is drawing too much current (i.e. has a too low resistance to 'ground').
Roland