First, I'm new to this forum and have used it many times to fix some issue, very appreciated ! I believe I saw a similar thread but it did not have all of my variables.

Ok, here is what I have. 91 Dakota LE 318 V8.

I was driving today and she just shut off on me, no warning. The couple of thing I recently did, replaced thermostat, thermostat sending unit and Idle air control motor. I believe none are relevant to this issue. I have changed the ECM twice and hope it's not that.

* When I have the key in (off position) the buzzer works but I turn it to the "On" position and there is no power. I replaced the fuse and I get very low power and it blows the fuse when the key is in the "On" position (this takes all of 2 seconds)

I did research and looked for any shorts (none found), took out the starter relay and turned key, same issue blowing fuse. Checked the alternator ground, it was a little loose but it has always been like that. I completely took the starter off and it does the same thing ( also checked wires ). I also pulled the stereo and check for shorts. I went as far as pulling the tail lights and check for shorts their.

Any ideas ? I heard it could be the ignition switch but I really don't want to start tearing things apart for a "Maybe".

Any comments or suggestions will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

 

It could be the switch. But it definitely is a short somewhere. Most likely the short is in a location that you can't see, under wiring wrap or covered up some how. There is not much I can tell you since this problem will be specific to your truck. Best suggestion is to get the wiring diagrams we have in the FAQ and find out everywhere that wire goes, then tare out the wiring and un-wrap it all. That is the best way to find your short. Good luck.

 

Thank Man. I see you are all over this Forum and seem to be very well informed with our trucks.

I put the starter back on and towed it to my mechanic. I have patience but nowhere enough for this task!

Quick question (off topic), I love my Mopars but have they improved their electrical systems in the newer vehicles ? I would love to get another one but not if I run into this many electrical issues.

 

Yes they have improved the wiring. Bad wiring is not common only to Dodge in the early 90's but to all, it was the mass produced technology of that time that was the restriction. All manufactures had similar problems with any of their vehicles.

 

^ thanks again.

Quick update for those who may encounter the same issue. The mechanic has got the truck to run and not blow the fuse. Bad news, all he know is that he was messing around under the steering column.
I will update with final results.

 

*Update*

My mechanic cannot locate any short. He went through all the wiring except the ignition switch.

My question, how would the ignition switch go bad and create a ground ? Wouldnt that be a loose wire attached to the switch ? Couldn't he have pulled the switch and fixed the wire, or is it something internal in the switch ?

 

check wiring inside fuse box? continuity and voltage checks need to be done before anything else. that's how your gonna find your short.

 

We found the short. There was a harness running to the transmition( firewall passenger side). It was attached to the firewall but as we traced it down we found it siting on the exhaust. Through a new fuse in, touched it to the exhaust, pop. Pulled the harness off and all the wire were melted.

Not sure If that was the proper location for that harness to run but that's where we found it. We redirected it away from the exhaust and through the engine bay. Problem solved.

 

Nice, I'm glad you found it.