When starting the car the ignition fuse keeps blowing

TERRI ROBERTS

MEMBER
2004 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
100,000 MILES

The ignition fuse keeps blowing when I start the car. Out of the blue the car would not start. The lights, and alarm for doors still worked. Radio did not. The first time it did it, I had someone look at it and he rewired the fuse box by engine. When I got it back the radio was working again (previously was not) and I replaced the ignition fuse. It ran for a little bit, then all of a sudden was not. I changed the fuses around there was a 20 in the ignition spot that was supposed to be 40. Switched it around and it started. Went to leave the next time and the fuse blew as soon as I turned the key. Now it blows every time I turn the key to start it. Not sure what's going on but it seems like after he worked on it, it got worse! Could it be related to the wiring harness for the engine? Or related to radio somehow? I made sure to put battery cables on before I switched out new fuses, so I don't think it has anything to do with taking battery cables on and off. Help!

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Normally this is due to a shorted load and since the only true load on this circuit is the starter, I would start with replacing the starter if it were me.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

However, if you want to prove this out then you would need to test the circuit for a short to power or ground. Also, you could install a smaller fuse inline between the fuse and the switch, and the relay and the starter. I marked each location on the last attachment.

Then when you turn the ignition on the issue is on the side that has the lower amp fuse that blows. So if the starter is the issue then the fuse in number 1 will blow.

Let me know if you have questions on this and we can go from there.

Images (Click to make bigger)