Blown Efi Fuse - What to look for?

[Ding]

'03 Vibe GTToday on the way to work the 15 amp fuse for the EFI blew which obviously is the sign of a deeper problem. It was raining and the road was wet which may have contributed if there is a damaged wire someplace. Of course the engine stalled immediately and wouldn't start. I switched fuses with a spare 15 amp, and the engine started and run for a few moments before blowing that fuse as well. I took a chance and plugged in a 30 amp fuse and limped it home knowing that it could cause wiring damage. As soon as I got home I inspected the engine compartment and sure enough there was the familiar "hot wires" smell. However it was coming from the throttle cable. The cable housing was indeed melting in a short section. This seemed weird as I didn't know that there were any wires running through the cable housing. Nontheless that is where the overheated wires must be.I am an experienced mechanic, but I do not have any tech info on this vehicle (yet). I plan to obtain a set of hlsm manuals as soon as I can. Does anyone have any ideas what to look for? I did plug the AutoTap in for the short run home. There weren't any codes set, and everything on the log looks normal and within range.Please help if you can . . .Note to Admins: If this is posted in the wrong forum please feel free to move.

[engineertwin2]

Glad to see someone else uses AutoTap around here. Now only if they made available the Toyota Enhanced Data...ok, back on topic. I believe the TSM has been posted here on the forums here:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1010Oooh, I feel so much like a member here now, referencing other forums...

[joatmon]

I'd be surprised if there were current carrying wires in the throttle cable. Almost sounds like a ground problem, and the throttle cable was carrying current. No idea what would cause that though.

[Ding]

engineertwin2: What version of AutoTap software are you running? I see that they have Version 3.0 out now and am wondering if I can upgrade. The V2.05 that I am running now tends to have problems with the Vibe. Also that link only appears to have owner's manual, not the service manuals.Anybody else have any input to the problem posted above?

[engineertwin2]

I run AutoTap 3.0. I've spoken with Joe. D. at B&E Electronics (the manufacturer of AutoTap) and he says they are working on making the ISO protocols available. Estimated end of fiscal year for them (October/November time frame) that they would release the ISO enhanced data for Toyota. So if you are considering upgrading, you may want to consider waiting as it may be accompanied by a new upgrade as well.As for problems, I have never had any with the Vibe, but just wish they had more than 25 or so data points.As for no service manual, you may try a search on it. I could've sworn that link had it in there but a search will help.

[Ding]

I am thinking of upgrading software only which is free right?

[engineertwin2]

I believe it is free to upgrade software. I was thinking you might be ordering a hardcopy, in which case I was recommending waiting.

[damronjr]

Mine kept doing it when we were installing the W/I. I never found out what was causing it, and now the W/I is off, but it was only during install anyways. Not sure what caused it though.

[Ding]

What did it keep doing?

[damronjr]

Blowing the 15A EFI fuse.

[Ding]

Problem Found . . .

Attached files

[joatmon]

Glad you found it. What is it? (what does that connector connect to?)

[Ding]

It was the wires to the EVAP - VSV (Vapor Pressure Sensor) that had grounded out to the Accelerator Control Cable metal housing. This was finding it's way to ground via the Cruise Control Actuator housing to the Accelerator Auto Drive Cable housing and cable and then to the throttle body.Pretty Bizarre huh?I also found worn injector wires under the engine cover. Looks like it is time to go through this vehicle closely if I want to continue using it as a daily driver.