Electronic issues need the guru's help

[nickxj94]

My 2000 xj some reason it keeps blowing the running light fuse and instrument fuse, also it did blow the AC fuse but only once but that's what started all this is since it blew the AC fuse, anyone know or had this problem? I've checked the grounds there all good and tight.

[4.3LXJ]

Nick if you are blowing fuses it is because they are passing too much current. There are two causes. One, something has been added to the circuit. Aftermarket stereo or driving lights or anything else would do it. The other is that the power is finding a ground where it shouldn't. I realize there are a bazillion wires under the dash, but the instrument fuse just powers the dash area. You might check for pinched wires, unless something has been added?

[nickxj94]

There is a aftermarket stereo in it I installed 3months ago, I guess I will pull it out and start there, the problem is this jeep used to be a police jeep so there are wires everywhere

[4.3LXJ]

I understand. No telling what a PO has done either. Take your power wire and run it to someplace that is a good source, put in an in line fuse and call it good

[nickxj94]

Also I forgot to mention I put a new air box in when all this started, the AC fuse blew, I replaced it and it still works but the running lights will blow the fuse soon as you put one in and the dash lights take a little while Maybe 10mins but where the fuse goes for the dash lights there wasent even a fuse there and before the dash lights worked till the AC fuse blew and the running lights. Its confusing I know

[nickxj94]

The AC clutch does not cycle anymore since the fuse blew it stays engaged, if I turn it off the lights will work for ten minutes.

[4.3LXJ]

The wires for the running lights are under the air box. Better check them. When you straighten that out, the rest might too.

[nickxj94]

I'm going to look at that tomorrow too got to go buy more fuses I went through a box already trying to find the problem

[Mudderoy]

Also I forgot to mention I put a new air box in when all this started, the AC fuse blew, I replaced it and it still works but the running lights will blow the fuse soon as you put one in and the dash lights take a little while Maybe 10mins but where the fuse goes for the dash lights there wasent even a fuse there and before the dash lights worked till the AC fuse blew and the running lights. Its confusing I know

This is often my big clue where to look. What did I touch right before it started to fail?

[nickxj94]

Well checked all the wires by the airbox, radio, and AC well the wire that runs into the AC clutch was melted and showing bare wires I moved it a little it sparked and blew the AC clutch big fuse. Well I replaced it and all the other fuses that been blowing turned my lights on and AC on,let run for ten minutes and haven't blew anymore fuses yet, so I guess I found the short? AC wire on the clutch maybe. Still can't figure out why the compressor don't cycle on and off like it did before all the fuses started popping, maybe the compressor is going out?

[4.3LXJ]

More than likely the original short is in the clutch coil which has probably burned out. You may have to replace the clutch on it.

[nickxj94]

Well I'm still trying to figure out why it would blow the lights out? But I drove it for a hour with everything on and still hasn't blew anymore fuses, I guess I save up for a compressor cause parts stores just wont sell the clutch unless someone on here has one for a 2000 xj?

[4.3LXJ]

Try to find one at a wrecking yard. If you get into the system it will have to be evacuated and recharged. It will add up

[nickxj94]

Try to find one at a wrecking yard. If you get into the system it will have to be evacuated and recharged. It will add up

I will get one from pick and pull here, I work at a Ford dealer and have the equipment to do it free :D

[nickxj94]

Thanks for the help!

[nickxj94]

Well crap the stupid running light fuse popped again!! ARRRRRRRRRR!

[4.3LXJ]

Did you tap into that circuit for anything?

[nickxj94]

Did you tap into that circuit for anything?

No I didn't,

[4.3LXJ]

You might try something. Put in a fuse one step up from what is there. Since it works for awhile, you might just have a bulb drawing too much power or something. If it holds with the bigger fuse, then that is probably the case. You shouldn't cook anything with it.

[Mudderoy]

You might try something. Put in a fuse one step up from what is there. Since it works for awhile, you might just have a bulb drawing too much power or something. If it holds with the bigger fuse, then that is probably the case. You shouldn't cook anything with it.

One step would be like putting a 15 amp fuse in place of a 10 amp. :D

[nickxj94]

One step would be like putting a 15 amp fuse in place of a 10 amp. :D

I did I went up to a 20 and it just blew a fuse in the box under the hood, I guess before I burn it to the ground I'm going to see if my buddy at work will look at it he knows electrical on autos better then me

Sent from my SCH-M828C using Tapatalk 2

[nickxj94]

Well snap!! After four hours of looking testing with a light, multi meter, I finally found the little culprit!!! I so dumb! I should of checked here first it was my pass side marker light the wire was cut from PO and rubbing the fender and grounding it and would blow the fuse while looking I seen a few more wires showing bare wire I'm guessing that went to the police blinking lights so I cut them off and taped everything up, so far been running for 45 mins. Wasted 1/4 tank of gas and the lights still work thank goodness I hope that was it! I'm sure it was

[nickxj94]

Now to see why the AC clutch wont disengage anymore! I'm thinking I didn't put enough freon in it? I put 2lbs in it anyone know how much it holds?

[4.3LXJ]

Hope that has got it

[nickxj94]

Hope that has got it

Me too! They was the only bare wires I have found and the one that was shorting was melted a little

[Brasscatz]

Now to see why the AC clutch wont disengage anymore! I'm thinking I didn't put enough freon in it? I put 2lbs in it anyone know how much it holds?

I really don't now for sure how much your 1994 takes, but my 97 takes 1.25 of r134a. There should be a sticker under your hood that'll tell you unless it's been ripped off.

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Red%20Bandit%20XJ/IMAG0812.jpg

[nickxj94]

Well actually this was on my 2000 xj

[nickxj94]

I guess maybe I over charged it then I put 2lbs and yours says 1.25 lbs so I redo it tomorrow