97 4runner suddenly blowing fuses

:eek: Jan 7th my 197 4 cyl, automatic, 2wd 4runner (92K miles) suddenly blew it's interior/running light fuse. When replaced, it just blew again. On Jan 10 it blew that fuse, then the turn signal fuse. I got it back home (quickly) and then the fuse which controls the automatic transmission gear shift blew.
I have not had one trouble with this truck ever in the 4 yrs I've had it.
She was towed to a dealer tonight and awaiting diagnosis in the morning. Anyone have experience with this? Could it be an alternator issue?
Thanks in advance for your input, :smile: it truly is appreciated.
~CC

Why ask for input AFTER taking it to dealership...sounds like a total waste of mine and anyone elses time and a bit like playing beat the dealership's diagnostics on here just so you can claim you know what it is when calling them...their problem and their job now...Not exactly sure why a person would ask what is wrong with a vehicle they just took to a dealership where they actually get to check it out first hand as opposed to guessing like here on posts...

Anyways goodluck lol

Forest,
I am sorry you are offended by my attempts to get input from more knowledgeable people so I might able to discuss my vehicle's troubles in an intelligent manner. I thank you for responding nonetheless.

Forest is right but this is a GREAT site so use it BEFORE you take it to the dealers there are alot of great ideas and people wanting to help and you too can chime in once you find out what your problem was so we can learn too, if you wouldn't mind.
Cool eh?
There are funny people in here too...

I do know what is wrong with your wiring. every one of the circuits that blew a fuse was drawing more current than the fuse was rated at so it melted the fuse!

Seriously we would like to hear what was wrong so when if it happens to us......
since none of the circuits are related my GUESS is a wire harness is getting pinched.

Thank you 4Wheel,
I quite understand your's and Forest's points. They are well taken. I'm just trying to understand what escapes me. It must have escaped the dealer as well because they said they had the problem "towing wiring harness which was shorting out" but the turn signals still weren't working when I was to pick it up this evening. So, my truck is still there.
I'm trying to understand how it can suddenly begin shorting out. Perhaps it just plain wore out. I don't know. Yet, the diagnoses are still unveiling.
Automotive things are not my forte so I read many, many posts on this forum and have gleaned a lot of info I otherwise wouldn't have had. My question was not one of being snotty, just attempting to grasp what has happened and why.
As for humor, I have enjoyed many posts. I do appreciate your responses.
Peace

I could understand the dealer maybe seeing a commonly abused towing/trailer light wiring hanging off back and suspecting it as the cause for blowing running/interior and turn signal fuses as those 2 curcuits are connected to trailer/towing wiring....but the A/T gear shift fuse is not related to trailer/towing wiring.....
Was the vehicle involved in a bad accident in past which might have left wires exposed to rub and short out???Stereo or alarm system installed/uninstalled or worked on??Dash taken apart for any reason maybe leaving wires bare or to short out due to a bad or improper splice job???

Don't get me wrong like I am bad mouthing the dealer in this following,but on electricial problems not covered under warranty I feel and know that most times you are far better off locating a shop that specializes in electricial repairs such as a well established alternator and starter shop that offers an R&R service for their rebuilds on site ( this does in no include your average parts changer/grease monkey at local garage)....many have to learn how to spot,diagnose and fix many electricial problems just to fix alot of charging and starting problems on the vehicles they work on (this is how I got so good at it lol)

Hopefully the problem has become a non-intermitent problem now and they can elliminate curcuits til they pinpoint short and get you fixed up.....were your gauges and/or dash idiot/warning lights involved in this I might guess a cluster relay shorted but such seems more likely just a bad short like maybe wires hanging down on exhaust underneath or pinched as 4wheeler said or as above stated.....anyways goodluck and let us know if they toss up hands at dealership or try to hit you with a big estimate (a problem like yours might cost a bit just to find as it takes time and $200.00 or less is exceptable and most of that will be labor)

Forest,
I am sorry you are offended by my attempts to get input from more knowledgeable people so I might able to discuss my vehicle's troubles in an intelligent manner. I thank you for responding nonetheless.


I was not offended hun,just baffled by post before you heard back from dealer where 4runner was at already ( like damn give them boys a shot first and let us help you when you need it lol )

And as far as your intelligence (looking to see how you spelt it so I spell it right) are you married?where you from.....j/k (kinda)...ok forget that nonsense I just said...anyways I found your post very intelligent past the part of trying to put cart in front of the horse and don't know many gearheads or outdoorsmen like me that don't enjoy a woman that digs cars and trucks...much less 4X4 gals......woooohoooo hold me back lol

Now that hopefully I got a smile in your face and a few laughs from the captive web audiance reading....I admit I say things straight and speak straighter than most are used to and for that am often called a grump,hense the ID on here,but I believe one should say what they mean and mean what they say and treat others honest and straight.
You might ruffle a few feathers and make fewer friends,,,but respect for being real and straight and sleeping good at night has its own rewards.

The Grump of the forest