1994 Toyota 4Runner major short blowing 40 amp ALT. Fuse, &

PAULJ0557

MEMBER
1994 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
120,234 MILES

I am repairing my friends 4runner and there is an obvious short to ground, the 40 amp B+ fuse blows readily when the + terminal is touched to the battery longer than the time required to generate some sparks- it's almost enough to weld the terminal to the battery. So when disconnecting the B+ from the alternator bolt the symptoms of sparking goes away completely.
Also for some strange, and possibly related issue, the wipers are stuck ON and in one speed. Adjusting the speed control to off or other positions makes no difference.
Incidentally, when trying to start the vehicle ( with the B+ unhooked from the alternator) it doesn't fire at all.

Thanks for any help. -Paul, in Ohio.

Saturday, September 13th, 2008 AT 4:58 PM

1 Reply

WHITEWOLFTRIBE

MEMBER
1 POST

My wifes 1990 4runner had the same problem except it was the 80 amp main that kept blowing then I tested the alt. And it had a short (open) and was exactly the same response you got. So check the alt.
As for the wind sheild wipers staying on it sounds like the regulator on the switch burnt when the 40 blew you might need to change it but check it first.

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Monday, October 13th, 2008 AT 11:52 PM