Modulator fuse blows every time engine is cranked

Tiny
SANDERS530
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET VAN
  • 4.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 121,000 MILES
My van continues to blow the fuse to the modulator every time I try to crank it. What could be causing this problem?
Sunday, August 25th, 2019 AT 4:12 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This is a problem with a short to ground in the circuit that the fuse is protecting. This happens because of Ohm's law which is the law's that govern electricity. Ohm's law states that if one of the three properties of electricity is constant(Voltage-12.6DC (battery voltage)) then if one of the other two goes down(Resistance-A short to ground makes the resistance in that circuit none) the last property must go up proportionally (Amperage-Amperage/Current will rise to infinity). So the fuse, which is rated from 5 to 100 amps will quickly become over run with current and "pop", the fuse blows. In the diagrams down below I have included the starting circuit diagram for your vehicle as well as a guide for how to find short to grounds in an automotive electrical circuit. You will need to use a digital multi-meter (DMM) to do this, so here is a link below on how to use one, if needed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Monday, August 26th, 2019 AT 3:02 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning

You need to determine what circuit the fuse controls. Once you know that, you can unplug the components and see if the fuse still blows. If it does, it is a wiring issue. If it does not, plug back in 1 component at a tie and that will tell you what has failed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

What fuse number is it so I can get you a diagram?

Roy
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Monday, August 26th, 2019 AT 3:04 AM
Tiny
SANDERS530
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Fuse number 10.
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Monday, August 26th, 2019 AT 8:16 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, I attached fuse 10 controls.

It is for the airbag system. There is a fault in the system that is causing the fuse to fail.

The wire feeds the seat belt module. Most likely the module has failed and needs to be replaced.

Roy
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Monday, August 26th, 2019 AT 8:24 AM

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