Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Chasing a Dead Short

Gorogergo

New Member
Original poster
Joined
Jan 2, 2022
Messages
23
Location
Emerald Isle, NC
On my 98 with a 2.5 I have a short that is blowing the 10A number 17 fuse in the under hood PDC. The fuse blows as soon as it's inserted. No new work was done on it. It's mainly for beach driving and sits for weeks sometimes. I pulled the stereo and gauge cluster after hearing that they are common suspects, but no luck. I'm using a test light and trying to chase it down. I've also removed the door switches.
I want to remove parts of the circuit, but finding the connectors is always a rough one for me. Still trying that.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
You will need to get a schematic &/or start tracing and opening the circuit loom along the entire length of it. There is no easy way to find a short

SOMEWHERE it got chaffed, or cut and is short circuiting to ground or another circuit
 
On my 98 with a 2.5 I have a short that is blowing the 10A number 17 fuse in the under hood PDC. The fuse blows as soon as it's inserted. No new work was done on it. It's mainly for beach driving and sits for weeks sometimes. I pulled the stereo and gauge cluster after hearing that they are common suspects, but no luck. I'm using a test light and trying to chase it down. I've also removed the door switches.
I want to remove parts of the circuit, but finding the connectors is always a rough one for me. Still trying that.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Fuse #17 is your rear defogger so I would start at the Harness plug for the Hard top.
 
Fuse 17 in the PDC should be a 40 amp not 10 per the service manual.

This is the one I am referring to.

Screenshot 2023-07-11 211815.png
 
Interesting on the PDC map on pg 8W-10-2 fuse 17 is shown as a 40 and the page 8W-10-18 isn't in my 98 e-copy

This is from the e-copy here on the site. On 8-10-2 I have what's shown below. I'm interpreting this as fuse 11 for the fuse you're referring to. Perhaps the 17 is a pin? or a wire? I don't know. There's a reason I'm here and confused.
Screenshot 2023-07-11 215831.png
 
This is from the e-copy here on the site. On 8-10-2 I have what's shown below. I'm interpreting this as fuse 11 for the fuse you're referring to. Perhaps the 17 is a pin? or a wire? I don't know. There's a reason I'm here and confused.
View attachment 440677

Ok so that's not the same as the page I'm looking at from the 98 FSM from the resource section. weird
 
I believe it is fuse 19, pin 17, 10amp. To the AC compressor clutch relay. Bad relay? Or something to do with compressor? This is not a strong point of mine put I do find it fascinating. The RDGY makes me believe it's a Red/Grey wire? There is a utube chanel " The Car Care Nut " check his playlist for electrical diagnosis, it may help?

IMG_1162.jpeg


IMG_1160.jpeg


IMG_1163.jpeg
 
Last edited:
I believe it is fuse 19, pin 17, 10amp. To the AC compressor clutch relay. Bad relay? Or something to do with compressor? This is not a strong point of mine put I do find it fascinating. The RDGY makes me believe it's a Red/Grey wire? There is a utube chanel " The Car Care Nut " check his playlist for electrical diagnosis, it may help?
Thanks. The fuse that's blowing is the one circled below. It goes to the gauges, courtesy lights, radio, etc.
No A/C in this Jeep.
I will be checking out that youtube channel. Thanks again.

Screenshot 2023-07-12 072057.png
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts