1996 Lumina keeps blowing Security 10amp fuse

[willytg]

This all started about a month ago, pulled into the driveway after work and the car just died. I just recently had the intake manifold gasket replaced before this all started, and discovered that I had no heat, with the first fall frost, so I took it back and they fixed that. They told me that it was an electrical (fuse) problem. So, I checked all of the fuses, all looked good. Had the alternator tested, it passed. Had the starter tested and found that it was bad, so I replaced it, but the car still wouldn't start. Tried jumping the car, still nothing. Jumpered the new starter, the engine would crank over, but wouldn't fire. Checked all of the fuses again and discovered that the Security Fuse (10amp) was blown, after replacing the fuse, the car started. Well, that lasted 1 1/2 days. On my way to work, in the middle of the freeway, it died. Checked the fuses first and found that the Security fuse was blown again. This has happened twice now. Fuses are cheap, but I would like to find the source of the problem, the car is in good condition and has always been dependable, I'd like to find a permanent cure. Does anyone have any advice?

[maxwedge]

You will need a comprehensive trouble tree and/or wiring diagram for this, Alldata.com is one 24.95 for a 1 year subscription., has everything.

[jeffcoslacker]

Stick a piece of heavy wire in place of the fuse, and replace whatever catches fire



Seriously, I wish you luck...I'm at a loss with this. My first inclination would be to think that something has come unsprung in the contacts for the key chip, and is making intermittant contact to ground in the column.

[jeffcoslacker]

Try taking a rubber mallet to the area around the ignition cylinder while it's running, see if you can get a fuse pop that way, then you'd know you're on the right track...

[maxwedge]

No current for this circuit in the steering column only the wires for the key resistor.