[imported_raymond]

1997 mustang v6
Today it wouldn't start but the theft light kept flashing. I ended up getting a tow, the dude said it wasnt getting any fuel because it would crank but wouldnt turn over. I did a lot of research and found a site that told me to check the fuses. I found the maxi 13 fuse under the hood to have blown. I don't have an owners manual so i dont know what this fuse is for. So anyways I replaced this fuse with a new 20a fuse and as soon as the car started up it blew the new fuse.

i've heard the fuse "might" go to the pcm(i dont even know what the pcm is) or fuel pump..I've also heard that maybe the fuel pump relay is faulty and causing too much power or something to go through the fuse. I dont know, i can only do basic stuff to cars.

i'm hoping there is someone out there who went through the same thing and can tell me how they fixed it or if there is someone who might know what could cause this. I'm reluctant to take it to the shop as it just came out of the shop 3 days ago for a new catalytic converter. I just can't keep throwing money at this car.

So please anyone with good knowledge that can help, i would appreciate it greatly.. thanks

 

[ruhleah]

That fuse supplies power to the cars computer (pcm) and the Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM). there is a short in the ccrm, pcm or the wiring to them that is blowing the fuse. You can try disconnecting the ccrm and seeing if it will start (with a new fuse, of course). The ccrm is located on the right side of the engine bay. It's a common problem with these Fords. If it does start then you have a problem with the ccrm or the electric fans that the ccrm controls. If the fuse still blows, then you have a problem with the wiring or pcm. I would also check with whoever replaced the catalytic converter to make sure they didn't accidentally short out an O2 sensor wire or pierce/crush the harness during their repairs.

The theft light is on because the pcm has no power due to a blown fuse, no other reason. You're not going to hear the fuel pump come on because without power, the pcm won't turn the fuel pump on. You have to fix the cause of the blown fuse before anything else!!! The pcm needs power to run the car first.

 

[norbert41]

i would check under the car near the new cat and look for the O2 sensor double check that the muffler shop did not pinch a wire causing a short. this happen on my friends car after replacing a O2 sensor the wire was left loose and it touch the exhaust burning the plastic on the wire causing the PCM/ASD fuse to blow all the time

 

[evian]

Thanks for the edit, and yeah it does have something to do with the fuel system, did you try replacing the relay?

Here's what you do, next time you start it, when you turn the key, try listening for a whirring noise right before the car cranks, if you can't hear it, get someone else to listen for it, or get them to turn the key. If you CAN'T hear a whirring noise, your fuel pump is not pumping fuel, if you do hear a whirring noise, then the fuel pump is fine.

Another thing, PCM stands for Power train Control Module. If you replaced that fuse, and it started up and died, it most likely does go to the PCM, and you should try replacing that fuse with the correct fuse (Try putting a fuse that is of the same voltage as the original or a fuse that has a higher voltage value than the original.)

Also, since the theft light is on, maybe some one was trying to siphon the gas?

Good Luck!