Changed fuses, now car won't start. Doh!

[ssmason85]

Well I pulled another new guy move by replacing fuses I thought were bad, and now my car doesn't start.. I only tampered with mini fuses, wondering if anyone has any ideas.

I have an automatic transmission 2wd 98' Ranger with a V6 4.0L. I bought my self a test light, consulted the owners manual, and set out to replace any fuse that didn't light up or was missing per my owners manual. I was under the impression that as long as the key was in the on position, all fuses should light up with a properly grounded tester. I learned the hard way that many fuses won't light up with a tester until that particular switch is also turned on..

I swapped out fuses 4, 7, 8, 24, and 33 (#7 turned out to be my only bad fuse). I added fuses #28 and #35 as they were missing per the diagram in the owners manual. Lastly, I swapped out fuse #13 in under the hood in the power distribution box.

I added the correct amp values per my manual but when I went to reconnect the negative battery terminal, my car tried to start with the keys in pocket! I immediately pulled it off and it stopped. I put the negative terminal back on the battery in disbelief for about 10 seconds, obviously it never started but it sure tried! I removed fuse #24 (which controls the CPP, starter, and an anti-theft system), reconnected the negative battery terminal with no issue. But now my car will not start when I put the key in the ignition!

I realize there is a PATS anti theft system out there but I don't believe it was installed on the 98 models. I also don't have a theft sign flashing on my dash, but I feel its related to fuse #24. I tried starting the car in neutral but no luck. I read that was a trick out there, but maybe only for manuals.

Any ideas on where to look from here will be greatly appreciated!

 

[ericbphoto]

Not sure why it started when you reconnected the battery. However, I would definitely expect it to not start with fuse 24 removed. That circuit needs power to start the engine.

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[adsm08]

Right. You have removed power to trigger the starter by removing 24. Try taking out the two you added that were missing before and see what happens.

 

[ericbphoto]

Was the key still in the "on" position when you were reconnecting the battery cable? Bad idea. It is safest to connect/disconnect battery cables only with everything turned off.

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[ssmason85]

Well you were both right fuse 24 was the issue. I replaced it and it fired right up! The weird thing is, I tried that yesterday the car tried to start again with the key in my pocket! Dunno..

@Ericbphoto - I may have reconnected the terminal with the key in the on position, I don't recall at this point. Maybe I did and it caused these weird electrical issues??

I was testing fuses was because I can roll my windows down without supplying power to the car! I recently bought a brand new battery from Oreillys, didn't drive the car for a week, and it was completely dead the next time I tried to start it! I'm wondering what could cause my windows to roll down with the key in my pocket, because I think it's killing my battery.

 

[ericbphoto]

Just a guess, but that sounds like a problem with the battery saver relay. That relay keeps power on a few circuits for a short period after you turn off the key. Then, after the time delay, it kills power to those circuits. I would do some troubleshooting of the battery saver relay and gem module.

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[Dirtman]

when I went to reconnect the negative battery terminal, my car tried to start with the keys in pocket!

I'm wondering what could cause my windows to roll down with the key in my pocket

I think the problem is obvious... Stop putting keys in your pocket!

 

[ssmason85]

I think you're on to something Dirtman...