QuestionQUESTION: My problem started about 2wks ago. One morning I started up the car and it ran really rough and died. I took a different car to work and tried again the next day to find the same result. What I noticed was that if I gave it gas it would run pretty smooth but at warmed up idle it was rough. I searched around online and a few people mentioned its probably bad plugs (100k on oem plugs) so tonight I go pick up some NGK iridiums.
I start with the drivers side bank (easiest access) and replace the 4 plugs. While I was pulling out the front most plug my ratchet contacted the terminal on the fuse box and sparks flew. I was startled but finished the drivers side and tried to start the car and the car started for about 10seconds stumbling then it died. Now it wont start. I checked all the fuses I could see (clear top) and theres a couple block fuses I don't know how to check.
Trouble shooting so far: I've cranked the engine and checked the drivers side plugs and they're all wet. This leads me to believe none of the plugs are firing anymore(even the front most plug, whose coil pack was out). I'm confused since the motor did start up for at least 10seconds or so. Is there a fuse I'm missing that is causing the packs not to fire?
I may go borrow an OBDII scan tool tomorrow if I can find one.
thanks for any help in advance.
Chuck
ANSWER: Have you checked the alternator fuse, it's usually about 100-120A, it's the first fuse to blow if the battery positive post is grounded.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for the response, I just went to look at the 120A fuse for the alt and its a clear top with a metal band in there. Can I tell this fuse is bad by looking at it? If not how do I pull it out? I tried with my fingers and its really stuck in there.
Also why would the alternator fuse going bad not allow the plugs to fire? Isn't there enough voltage/amperage in the battery to support the ignition system for a little bit? I was able to continuously turn over the engine with no fire.
Thanks again for your help!
AnswerThe plastic cover can be removed for closer inspection, if the fuse is blown there will be a break in the silver bridge, the fuse is bolted in inside the fuse box, the fuse box needs to be removed and opened up to get to the bolts, this fuse is the main fuse that supplies power to most of the car's electrical systems but not the starter. Check some of the othe rfuses as well such as the EFI,ECU-B,IGN,if the alternator fuse is open try bridging the gap with a small piece of aluminum foil or a jumper wire to see if the car starts, if it does replace the fuse or in some cases it can be bridged with a small drop of solder applied to the gap.
I'm going offline now, will reply tomorrow if necessary.
