1989 240sx with sr20det no start/no accessories/no fuel pump prime

[Deadrodent]

Hey everyone, I was taking my 240 for a little late saturday night cruise when things went horribly wrong. I had previously installed an autometer boost gauge and wired it to the car's ignition wire. I took off the gauge because it wasn't sealing properly and was causing a vaccuum leak but i kept the gauge's light wired up. I had wrapped the gauge light around the steering column so it wouldn't be hanging anywhere or get caught on anything. While i was driving the gauge light was bothering my vision so i grabbed it with my hand and attempted to point it in a different direction. Upon doing this sparks flew from the gauge light (where the wires connect to it) and puffs of smoke came from somewhere near the steering column (i'm assuming where i soldered it)

the car immediately died but the lights and everything else work. When i slowed to a stop i tried cranking the car but there was no response. The starter didn't crank, my fans didn't come on...it's like the ignition switch was busted. I had an extra one laying one and replaced it...same problems....

this is the information i have so far:

1. Does not crank, does not prime fuel pump, accessories does not work

2. fuses in engine bay fuse box all conduct

3. headlights and interior lights work

so i know i'm pretty much not getting power to the ecu and i'm not able to turn it to accessories to roll up the windows or turn on the radio or my fans....but the battery is charged....

[tiger]

You blew a fuse somewhere.. check the alternator fuse (75 Amp fuse) Gray colored.. also check ignition fuse.. good luck :-)

That has to be it... double check for sure... check wiring again too.

[Deadrodent]

I checked my 75a fuse with a multimeter and current went through it...ofcourse i'm not that familiar with the tool or how to test...what kind of reading should i get and what setting?

[tiger]

well... you shouldn't have to bust out a multimeter to check the alt fuse.. can you look and see if the link is burnt? There should be a viewing windown on the top so you can see the link...

[Deadrodent]

k i was looking at my fusebox and noticed that the furthest right green 30A fuse looked different than the others. The other fuses have a small cube of metal in the metal that is chrome colored and shiny. This 30A fuse has a small cube of black charcoal looking material and it looks like it has expanded a little. The fuse clips also rattle inside while the other fuses feel and sound rock solid...

When I tried pulling the fuse there were visible sparks that arced across inside of the fuse. This fuse looks like it's blown but when i test it with the mutlimeter current still goes through it....? could the fuse be partially blown and lets some current through it but not enough to power the car?

by the way am i endangering myself when i pull fuses with the battery connected?

k i just opened the little window to check the fuse out and clip that holds the fuse in the middle is physically broken from the rest of the fuse...i'm guessing this means it's bad? why does it still conduct?!?!

Modified by Deadrodent at 3:15 PM 5/14/2007
Modified by Deadrodent at 10:18 PM 5/14/2007

[tiger]

I dont know, just replace it and your stuff will probably work again!! :-) Yes.. the broken metal is a sure indication of a bad fuse.. as far as conductivity.. maybe you're testing it wrong??

[Deadrodent]

since i don't have the cover for my fusebox i'm not sure what fuse it is....it's the green 30A fuse furthest to the right inside the fuse box...

i'm thinking it's the ignition fuse?

where can i get replacement fuses just in case this happens again in the future?