Electrical 101 - Wiper fuse keeps blowing!

[Clack]

Sounds like fun eh? Like all my repair endeavors, lack of funds is driving my need to fix something myself. My 20 amp wiper fuse blows immediately when I put a new one in. I've got a multi-meter and this diagram but don't really know where to start or how to read it. There are some wires coming off the transmisstion (auto) and the transfer case but they didn't look exposed. The threads I've read indicate the reverse lights are tied in to this circuit too. I also have a trailer attachment, don't know if that's tied in.

As always, any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks Mudders!

 

[tag3]

Trace the wires off of the fuse panel, sounds like a short somewhere.

 

[gregnash]

I would check the trailer attachment for the lights. I have known a few people that used crappy connections there (professionals) and the connection shorts. Would be a good easy place to start.

 

[Tapage]

I just end couple months ago my wiper journey that start when I decide to replace the 60 series wiper motor with the 62 series .. ( that's no go with the stock circuit ).

I would start testing your wiper motor, then I would move to the wiper relay ( behind the lower dash, blue box right over your right foot when sitting in the drivers seat ) ..

In my case my failure was related to how much effort need to to the wiper motor to move the links .. ( old rusted crappy ones ).

I end replacing with used decent ones, greasing 'em up .. cleaning wiper motor, greasing it .. and so on ..

 

[Clack]

I'll give it all a shot and post back. Thanks guys.

edit - On the trailer wiring however: I only mentioned it because another thread on this fuse mentioned it but wouldn't it more likely be tied into the brake and headlight circuits? Anything I can eliminate helps.

 

[John McVicker]

Clack,

Try this 1st. One afternoon I went thru 15 or so blue fuses before I tracked down the problem on my 60 blowing the wiper fuse every time I turned on the wipers.

The green 4 wheel drive light on the dash is also tied into this circut & was my culprit.. Go to your T-case ... I 'think" on the passenger side, but for sure up high on the T-case. Find that wire & see if you have a short there.

Mine was at the top of the T-case and had rubbed thru the harness.

Thanks, John

 

[lovetoski]

Agreed with the above suggestion to remove the trailer harness. Unless you are sure you need this, it is only a potential source of electrical pain.

But, more to the specific issue, here's how you narrow down the potential list of culprets....

1. Identify ALL of the items that are fused on the same 20a fuse for the windshield wiper.

2. Disconnect all of these items.

3. Install a goo fuse.

4. Reconnect ONE item, if the fuse works, then disconnect it.

5. Keep testing each item in turn (by itself) until you find the culprit.

Post back with results.

 

[Clack]

Problem solved! Thanks everyone. John McVicker was the closest on the issue. I traced all the wires from the transmission & transfer case up into the engine compartment and from the loom came out about four connectors right over the starter. One of them, a green wire, had rubbed raw against the starter. A little electrical tape and a shove of the loom back towards the firewall and all is good! My 4wd light still worked so I think it was the neutral sensor switch but I'm not sure. It was green.

One wire that's about to break off however is the rear most sensor on the passenger side of the transfer case. Anyone know what this is?

Brian

 

[John McVicker]

Thanks for getting back & glad you found your problem.

As to that wire you are trying to ID, sorry I don't know. Do you have or can you get a FSM. Easy to trace that way...assuming it's a stock wire.

John

 

[alaricikyticky]

I had the same issue. I was travelling and the wiper (entire system - back front and nozzle sprays) weren't working. Kept fusing. I had changed 20 fuses in 2 days as it was monsoon and i kept trying to use the wipers. Along with that, my 4WD light didn't work.

I thought changing the wiper motor would do the trick and when i changed the motor - there was no fusing. However once i got ready to leave from the mechanic, the fuse blew. He gave me a temporary solution as i was out of town.

Turned out to be an earthing problem since the two have the same connection (that's what was told to me by my Toyota mechanic). So i'd suggest check your earthing for 4WD and you'll find the problem.