Questions and Answers
Taurus Blows Fuses
Q. I have a 1997 Ford Taurus wagon. It has 130,000 miles, a 3.0 V-6 engine, auto trans, fuel injection, ABS brakes, P/S, A/C and cruise. The problem I'm having is that the 20 amp fuel pump fuse keeps blowing after driving 2 to three miles.
It has now blown 4 fuses in succession getting it home. Problem happened suddenly yesterday. I bought a Haynes auto repair manual and am trying to determine the best way to trouble shoot the problem. How do I determine if the fuel pump relay in the constant control relay or the inertia fuel shutoff switch or the fuel pump (all the items in that circuit) are defective. Any help that you can point me to will be appreciated.
A. There are two places I would look first, Inertia Fuel Shutoff Switch and the wiring near the fuel pump. Since it is blowing fuses, I would check the wiring first. There was a TSB issued on 12-21-98 numbered 98-25-1. It effects all vehicles built up to 6/1/98. I quote from the bulletin:
ISSUE:
There may be a possible chafing of the fuel pump assembly wires resulting in an open fuse and/or inoperable fuel pump assembly or a no start condition on some vehicles. This may be due to wires chafing on the hose clamps that retain the pressure and return fuel hoses. Chafing may also occur on the flange of the assembly and the tank itself.ACTION:
Install plastic sheathing onto wire harness. The plastic sheathing protects the wire and should reduce the possibility of rubbing and chafing.If that doesn't fix you up, I would suspect a bad fuel pump. If it was a hard short, it would blow the fuse as soon as you put it in. If the fuel pump is starting to go, it will draw more current than the fuse will allow and blow it.
Haynes does not have a real good wiring diagram. For a good diagram go to the Public Library and look it up in the Chilton Wiring Diagram Manual.
Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
