Keep blowing fuse?

Tiny
FILE GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
The fuse listed as EFI or ECD No. 2 that is located on the fuse block inside the vehicle and adjacent to left foot. It is a 10A fuse. Tried a 15A instead and it also blew. When this fuse is blown, the engine will not rev past 3,000 RPMs. I discovered this fuse when I started getting a MAF error. I replaced the MAF and EFI relay from fuse block under hood, but it wasn't until I replaced the 10A fuse that it started running correctly again. While it was in this condition, it also would never start on the first attempt but would always start on the 2nd attempt.

It wasn't until I discovered this fuse as blown that fixed the issue completely. It has been fine for a month but this AM, my motor stalled while driving. It restarted but now has the 3,000 RPMs issue again. The fuse was blown again so I replaced the fuse twice and it immediately blows each time.
Monday, April 24th, 2023 AT 1:27 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,723 POSTS
Hello, this fuse feeds power to 7 other components besides the Mass Air Flow Sensor and since it seems to be popping the fuse intermittently, checking for a wire that is possibly touching the frame, exhaust, or shorting out somewhere else is your next move. I'll post the components to check, most likely it will be some section of the wiring harness that is a contact point where the harness has rubbed through due to vibration, and is making contact, shorting out at random times. But I have a list of areas to check, shorts can be very difficult to find, especially something like this that is very intermittent. Since the fuse is blowing right away at this time, don't touch anything yet, let's get these components unplugged first then install a new fuse, and plug things back in one at a time until it blows again, and you'll know where the problem area is, you might find it when you're unplugging these components.

With the key Off, unplug all 4 oxygen sensors and inspect the wiring to each one, make sure there isn't a section of wire that is resting on the exhaust or has a cut in the wire insulation. All 4 Oxygen sensor heaters are on that fuse, and these are in an area where they are exposed to everything. So, start with them.

Next is the VSV Evap charcoal canister Vent valve, the wiring for it is in the 2nd diagram, and its location is in the 3rd. It looks to be near a fuse box in the engine compartment. Also notice any wiring issues going to the Vent valve, the next is another Evap system valve or solenoid (VSV EVAP). This is under the engine cover in the 4th diagram. The wire colors for it are also in the 2nd diagram.
Once you have these 6 components unplugged, (we'll start with these). replace the fuse and turn the key on. Notice if the fuse is ok or not at this point. If it is, start by plugging in the each Oxygen sensor one at a time and checking the fuse with each one. If there is an issue with an Oxygen sensor or wiring to it, you'll be able to tell once the fuse blows. I know it will be kind of a pain to check the fuse with each sensor plug in, but it will narrow down the possibilities. After you get all 4 oxygen sensors plugged and if the fuse is still okay, go ahead and plug in each VSV solenoid one by one.
Hopefully you'll find the short this way pretty quick, just be aware while moving the harness around, watch for little puffs of smoke, which will indicate a shorted wire area too.
The last component on the circuit is the VSV Pressure Switching Valve, it's located under the rear of the vehicle, diagrams 5 and 6. Check this last after going through the other components.
It's just a guess, but I think you're going to find a wiring issue to possibly one of the Oxygen sensors, just because the harnesses for them can run up into the body of the vehicle where the wires can get a cut in the insulation. Just be super careful not to move too much of the harness around while unplugging components, you can accidentally move the shorted wire away from the problem area and then it will be very difficult to find the short.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse
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Monday, April 24th, 2023 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
FILE GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for this information. I will be looking at the issue on the weekend and I will report back hopefully with a tale of success!
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Friday, April 28th, 2023 AT 8:24 AM
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,723 POSTS
Okay, if you have any questions, just post them here. In this situation we would normally use an automotive circuit breaker or possibly a test light if that circuit didn't have so many higher current components on it. So just having you unplug each one will be easier, it will also give you a chance to check the wiring at those components.
Can you tell me how much fuel the gauge is reading for the gas tank? And how long does the vehicle run in the morning before you start driving?

I'm just asking because after going over service information on the VSV (Evap System, which is responsible for purging the fuel vapors from the gas tank) the engine computer will run its self-tests under certain conditions, such as a 1/2 to 3/4 tank of gas, certain ambient temperatures, how long the vehicle idles after a cold soak overnight.
And since you don't have a Check engine light on, I hope, I don't think it is going to be one of the VSV components.

Which only leaves the Oxygen sensor Heater Circuits, you replaced the MAF already and one of the VSV components would set a Check Engine light on and a code. So, concentrating your efforts on the Oxygen sensor wiring and sensors, I think is where you're going to find the problem. I would start by just unplugging all 4 Oxygen sensors first and checking all the wiring to them, then see if it's still going to pop the fuse. Since the Oxygen sensors get so hot, the heaters do eventually short out, so it will be a bit easier on you by starting with those.
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Friday, April 28th, 2023 AT 4:02 PM

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