2010 Ford Explorer XLT - Ignition Switch Fuse Continues to Blow

[ciroshto]

I own a 2010 Ford Explorer XLT. The ignition switch fuse (#8) blows and we replace and try to crank and the fuse blows again. We replace the fuse and turn the key and everything works but when we try to crank it the fuse blows. I tried once in the morning and once in the evening putting the fuse but still no crank. We let it sit for 2 days, replaced the fuse and it cranked. It is currently in the shop. They have ruled out the starter and say it is most likely not the ignition switch. Also I have the message clear object by pass warning and the airbag guy stays on with the "passenger side airbag off" above the radio is not coming on when no one is in the seat. Additionally, the radio lights dim, I bump the radio they come back on but then later they dim again. They have gotten the fuse to blow once while on the machine but cant get it to do it again.

Anyone have any thoughts ideas suggestions, anything that may help me help them locate the problem.

Truck has been in the shop for a month.

 

[67FordGuy]

Well, since you have no other replies I thought I'd add my 2cents. Try removing other fuses and try again. You mentioned the radio. Remove the radio fuse and try. Maybe borrow a battery from another car at the shop and try it in your explorer.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Sounds like the ignition switch is gone

 

[Steve Anderson]

Did you ever figure out the problem? My explorer has the same issue .

 

[ZC83]

Joined this whole site for this problem. Looks like no one has posted anything on this tho. By pulling fuses/relays I have ruled out the inertia switch, fuel pump and starter. I'm thinking/hoping it is the ignition switch as well, Mayne the tumbler but much less likely. After this I'm pulling the fuse box under the good and looking for bare wires. May do a visual inspection of the fuel pump control module located in the rear of the car.

This is a very informative video!

 

[jbun81mustang]

I just started experiencing this same problem today. Truck was fine (until it was not). Started right up this morning (as always), went somewhere w/daughter, went to leave and nothing (no crank, click, etc). Quickly leaned towards ignition and replaced switch, still nothing. Checked #8 fuse, it was blown. Replaced, accessory mode chimed, as soon as I went to turn over, nothing (fuse blew again). Tried once more with same result
Got it towed to a shop (hopefully they can figure out on Monday). Sounds like others have had this issue, wondering if anyone has solved.

 

[fosterzcj]

It could be a shorted harness than runs to the ignition coil or a shorted wire that runs to the negative battery terminal to either the starter or igniting switch. I'm guessing massive wire got shorted to one of the above.

 

[jbun81mustang]

It could be a shorted harness than runs to the ignition coil or a shorted wire that runs to the negative battery terminal to either the starter or igniting switch. I'm guessing massive wire got shorted to one of the above.

Once resolved I will post what came of it.

 

[fosterzcj]

Outstanding. A post of what came of it would be helpful for future folk. I had to dig around on other forums to give you a guess at this issue.

 

[jbun81mustang]

Outstanding. A post of what came of it would be helpful for future folk. I had to dig around on other forums to give you a guess at this issue.

well apparently not. Shop has had it a little over a day, and said it has repeatedly started up (not blown fuses) and run. I'm going to get it in a little while. I guess I have a mystery short.

 

[jbun81mustang]

well apparently not. Shop has had it a little over a day, and said it has repeatedly started up (not blown fuses) and run. I'm going to get it in a little while. I guess I have a mystery short.

Outstanding. A post of what came of it would be helpful for future folk. I had to dig around on other forums to give you a guess at this issue.

Update. figured out the issue (after the problem happened again). There was a short in the starter wire to the relay (back behind the intake manifold). Repaired, truck is running fine and also noticed that the starting lag that I've had for some time now (figured it was just age of the starter) is completely gone. Must have been wearing through for some time, and finally just went this past weekend.

 

[jbun81mustang]

Update. figured out the issue (after the problem happened again). There was a short in the starter wire to the relay (back behind the intake manifold). Repaired, truck is running fine and also noticed that the starting lag that I've had for some time now (figured it was just age of the starter) is completely gone. Must have been wearing through for some time, and finally just went this past weekend.

And it never ends..truck started throwing a P0106 (MAP) code. So in thr process of fixing the short, damaged a vacuum line. Trying to hunt down the P/N for that plastic elbow that has (4) hoses and is right near the 4.0 on the manifold.