97 D1 XD keeps blowing fuse and will not start

[MotoBando]

My wife had my '97 D1 XD out yesterday, broke down and needed a tow home...sigh. Apparently the transfer case or transmission oil light temp went on (looks like a red gear with thermometer in the middle on the upper left part of the dash). She stopped and it went off. After another 30 mins of driving it went back on and she said it started to run somewhat rough after that. She pulled over again and this time it would not start again. She also said when she was driving it the speedometer would jump from 50mph to 90mph over and over a few times. When I got there to check it out, the engine would crank over but would not start. The first place I checked was the fuse box. Sure enough it had a blown fuse in Satellite #1, fuse #3 - it's a 20 amp (it looks like an engine with a lightning bolt going through it). I changed the fuse and it blew right away again when I turned the key to auxiliary, right before the engine cranks. I did this a few times and it blows that fuse every time. The check engine light also will not illuminate. I did a search here and elsewhere and I have yet to come across this problem or a resolution. Maybe the ECU is fried? Any ideas what it could be?

Also, when the car drove, it sometimes felt like it would temporarily cut out and go, over and over for a few minutes and would clear up by itself. It's done that for years and comes and goes every 6 months or so... Still love my truck and hope to get it fixed soon. Any thoughts on where to look is greatly appreciated!

Brian

 

[KyleT]

Check the wiring that goes around the transfer case. Look At the brake drum for some indication of rubbing. That's all I got.

 

[lugnut]

The o2 sensor wires shorted to front drive shaft or some where else to ground ?

 

[D Chapman]

Sounds like a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) to me. It's located on the ass of the transfer case behind the parking brake drum.

Not sure why it wont start/blowing fuses, though. Maybe something is melted?

 

[singingcamel]

Remove your ecm and look for corrosion.

 

[MotoBando]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

I did have a look at the ECM (next to the washer fluid?). It looks perfect and connections are clean.
I checked the wires around the transfer case, brake drums and drive shaft - all appear in good health and still have protective casing intact.
The VSS at the rear of the transfer case appears covered in oil - that could be an issue - going to replace it today!
Strangely, I get the following warning light when I turn the key in the ignition and does not go out even though the engine is stone cold. I misplaced my manual somewhere in my garage but I'm guessing its transmission or gearbox oil temp? Maybe this is related to the fuse blowing?

 

[singingcamel]

I think you checked the multi function plug and not the ecm. ECM is located passenger side under the dash, metal box with a large plug thingy.

 

[AfiRover]

The sat 1 fuse 3 is a 10 amp fuse and is the power to the ECU and the fuel pump relay (white with green wire) pin 19 on connector

1 unplug unit (all 3 plugs) replace fuse see if it blows
2 next plug in red and small blk connectors redo test
3 report back

if this does not work for you change to all tires to "winter air " remove all summer air

 

[MotoBando]

Well the "winter air" seemed to do the trick! LOL

I followed AfiRover's steps on unplugging the ECU and that seemed fix the issue. The only other step I took was I disconnected the ground to the battery when all of the plugs were out on the ECU.

Thanks a bunch for the help on this one! It definitely takes a community with these vehicles sometimes...

Now onto the transfer case which sounds like it needs a bearing or two after going low on oil. I had just changed the oil in it only 9 months ago but it developed a seal leak...

 

[singingcamel]

Thanks for getting back to us, glad your up and running.