2001 Nissan Frontier Fuse 11 blows

Tiny
EJNAMA
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 NISSAN FRONTIER
  • 210,000 MILES
I have been troubleshooting this issue for 2 weeks and cant figure it out. Fuse 11 in the cab blows everytime the key is turned to on and all the dash lights and gauges shut off. If I go fast enough I can get it to start but blows right after. I can drive where I need to go and the fuse blows again. I can replace it and start the truck to get home. If I turn it to on without starting the truck it blows.
I have narrowed it down to a White wire with a black stripe. I have disconnected it from the harness by removing the pin at the fuse block in the cab. At that point I can turn the truck to the on position and the fuse will not blow.
In my chilton book it shows that fuse 11 uses the black and white wire and it goes to electronic speed meter, Data link connector, inhibitor switch and solenoid valve unit.
The electronic Speed meter shows as being in the instrument cluster and I have removed it from the truck to test and the fuse still blows every time.
the data link connector doesnt seem like it should be an issue since there isnt anything plugged in to it and hasnt had anything in it for a while.
As far as I know the inhibitor switch is for automatic transmissions only and mine is a 5 speed manual.
the last is the solenoid valve unit that controls the torque converter clutch solenoid Im not sure if this will be on a 5 speed or not.
Thank you for your help.
Friday, August 16th, 2013 AT 5:20 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
Your truck would not have a torque converter solenoid. You should get a multi-meter and test the wire for continuity. I attached a wire diagram that indicates the instrument connector powers another component. I think it is probably a light. The Canadian model goes to the windshield washer fluid pump. You might look into the pin connector or try testing continuity for the worries in the wiring harness. I know it would be a huge task, but in the end you might have to unwrap the harness and repair the wire that is blowing the fuse. That is a last ditch effort. I would look into the speedometer as being suspect of having a short or the inhibitor switch. Check the speedo and switch without power for continuity. If there is any it is suspect for having an internal short. You might get one from a salvage yard and try that. Electrical issues are really tough to track down. Your truck is old enough that a broken wire or shorted switch is not out of the question.
You should try having the trouble codes pulled first. Advance Auto ro Auto Zone will do this for free.
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Friday, August 16th, 2013 AT 7:15 PM
Tiny
EJNAMA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Got it figured out. After many hours I decided to unplug everything I could find and ended up at the transmission and unplugged the speed sensor and the back up light switch and the problem went away. So 2 weeks and $14 later I have a working back up switch in it and everything is working perfect. Thanks for your help.
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Saturday, August 17th, 2013 AT 6:52 PM
Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
That is great news. I am glad it worked out with some diligent work on your part. It is always great when a customer gets their problem solved!
Take Care
Dr. C
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Saturday, August 17th, 2013 AT 8:22 PM

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