2000 Mustang bogged down and died

OK I am starting over and going to simplify my question....what would make my #34 fuse (Instrument Cluster, CCRM, Data Link Connector, Securilock Transceiver Module) keep blowing. It did it first while driving (car felt like it was fighting against...or not very responsive) to acceleration. Then I was able to start it and it ran 5 min and then blew....now it is vlowing as soon as I get to accessory. I have checked the connectors but cannot find anything. HELP!
I have not modified anything. And its a 2000 3.8L Auto trans with 117K miles. Was running fine before this.

Can you get your head under the dash and have a look?

It sounds like something shorted out and went pop.

I did try but didn't see anything that stood out. By the brightness of the flash I am surprised I could not.

So I guess if something shorted out and it caused the symptoms it did. What is in that area that I might be able to narrow it down to?

So I guess if something shorted out and it caused the symptoms it did. What is in that area that I might be able to narrow it down to?



Unfortunatly I don't know enough about Mustangs, but if there was a flash, then there will be some burn or scorch marks somewhere.

Is there a panel under the dash you can remove to get better access?


You need to find what made the flash and it may require some digging.
Don't be afraid to poke around with a test light as well.

Well I have taken things apart and looked all over and cannot find any sign of anything being burnt from an arc. Having said that I guess I need to start looking into the cluster not working. Any tip or tricks on that?

Update, I think with the fuse now popping the moment I turn the key to on, it must be a short (Duh) but my question is, can a CCRM do that or is more likely in the fuel pump?

although a fuel pump can do that i would think itd be your ccrm because the fuel pump is on a different circuit i think i have to check my owners manual but yeah unless both wires are stripped and the circuits are crossing it would have to be the something that is on fuse #34 i would also check the fuse base although i have never had it happen to my 2002 my bud had his 99 v6 and the base went bad and kept blowing fuse #25 also this may sound dumb but make sure its the right fuse it should be 20 amp

those were minor fuses also check major 4,5,6 for damage they are all 40 amp. 4 and 5 are ignition switch and 6 is cluster and pcm

I have a 94 3.8 had same issue had tests ran on alternator replaced fuel pump and had my hot wire to starter was barley on it, nothing wrong with alternator and fixed starter wire still same problem, then checked the alternator wires and right at the tip of the plug two wires were split and touching, separated and taped them and no more blown fuses