QuestionI tracked down the problem to the AC clutch. If I disconnect the wires it doesn't blow the fuse. But now that it is getting spark and fuel again it acts like the timing is way off. How do I go about checking it since everything is computer controlled?
Thanks,
Norm
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Followup To
Question -
I have an 87 Ciera that just blew the 10A ECM fuse, and it now blows it as soon as the key is turned on. Is it probably just a bad ECM or is there something else that could be causing it. I am a Mopar man and I don't know much about GM products.
Thanks,
Norm
Answer -
First you need to look in the fuse panel and see if there is a SECOND ECM fuse. Some vehicles have 2 ECM fuses.
When the fuse blows, What else on the vehicle does NOT work ?.
If you have a SHORT detector of which you can install in place of the blown fuse this makes finding the short much much easier. But if you do NOT, I would invest in one as they cut the diagnostic time drastically as you can simply just start disconnecting components one at a time until the short detector stops cycling ON and OFF.
The ECM fuse(s) provide battery voltage to the following components:
1. ECM.
2. EGR solenoid.
3. Air select valve.
4. fuel metering solenoid.
5. EFE solenoid valve.
As well as other numerous engine related components.
Let's do a simple test that can be done using a standard 12 volt test lamp due to the fact that we are dealing with battery voltage components.
When the fuse blows, Disconnect the any of the above said items that have a PINK with a BLACK STRIPE wire going to the component all of which are located on the engine.
Disconnect the electrical connector and using your test light, With the ignition switch naturally in the ON position and attach the alligator clip to a suitable metal ground and probe the disconnected electrical connectors PINK with a BLACK STRIPE wire and see if the test light illuminates. You can also look for other components on and within the engine compartment that also have a PINK with a BLACK STRIPE wire going to it and see if they also do or do NOT illuminate the test light.
In most cases, shot circuits tend to appear AFTER recent work has been performed within the engine compartment and either a wire got pinched or was left loose and shorted out to a metal surface.
Look for the obvious IF there has been ANY work of any kind performed on the vehicle recently and examine the area that was worked on for a loose or grounded PINK with a BLACK STRIPE wire.
If you do NOT find anything obvious. You will need to disconnect each component that has a PINK with a BLACK STRIPE wire going to the component and OHM out the component using your OHM METER to see if any component(s) are internally shorted.
let me know what you find.
Thomas
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autohelp
AnswerEXCELLENT work. My next test was going to be the A/C clutch IF all the others checked out OK. However, You beat me to it.
OK, There is a WHITE EMISSIONS sticker pasted on the underside of the hood or within the engine compartment giving you specific instructions on how to set the timing.
If it is NOT there, let me know and I will give you the procedure.
Thomas
