HELP! 2002 Explorer Fuse #15 Issue

[duffeyt]

Hello all any advice or direction would be incredibly appreciated.

I have an issue with Fuse #15 in the under hood fuse box. I lost my power windows, radio and gauges all at once and found this fuse to be popped.

The fuse pops immediately when replaced.

This started when I hooked in my tent trailer on the weekend and they immediately all quit. Now even with the trailer off it is still shorting. Fuse 27 for the trailer power had also popped but now is replaced with no issue.

It's gonna rain all week and I really need to get my glass up including my sunroof!

Very grateful for any assistance from the forum, Many Thanks!

 

[Bobmbx]

Check the cable end for shorted contacts. Sounds like you pushed a pin in the connector when you inserted your trailer cable.

 

[FordFool2]

I don't think it will be in the trailer pin connector. Fuse 15 does not power any of that.

I would start snooping in the bundle of wires going to the drivers door inside the door jam. There is a really good thread by Rhondo that should help you through.

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome aboard!!

I had similar electrical issues with my '02 XLT. The dome lights would stay on until the battery saver feature turned them off, the accessory delay wasn't working, the driver side puddle light didn't work, the keypad on the door would set off the alarm when I pressed it, the door ajar light would flash and beep at highway speeds, the radio would shut off as soon as I turned the key off, the alarm would beep twice when I armed it. Recently all 4 windows stopped working. Most recently the driver door lock actuator stopped working.

A lot of electrical issues can be traced back to broken/damaged wire(s) in the boot between the body and the driver's door. I found 3 broken wires and repaired them. The thin black ground wire was broken and after repairing it all was back to normal. When the windows stopped working, I repaired the thick black ground wire and the windows now work like a champ. I had to repair the pink/black wire to fix the driver door lock actuator.

Here is the thread for removing the door panel: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=303524

Here is a great thread for checking for broken/damaged wires, thanks to synyster for this awesome write-up: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=270081

Unfortunately the pictures are no longer available in the above thread. IIRC, I believe I unwrapped the wires enough to gain access. When I have gone searching in there I had an idea of what wire I was looking for. I located the the wire I was looking for and gently tugged on that wire on the door side. The wire was pulled toward me and out of the harness. I then went inside the vehicle and gently tugged on the the wire I was looking for and was able to pull it inside the vehicle. I then spliced a length of wire to the 2 ends, completing the circuit. I then gently pulled the excess into the door.

Be sure to take your time when looking for broken/damaged wire(s). Check all the wires for breaks/damage. When you think you're done looking, look again, and again, and again. A bright flashlight can be very helpful.

Good luck getting it sorted!! :biggthump

Please keep us posted as feedback helps others reading this post looking for a fix to the same or similar issue!

 

[duffeyt]

Many Thanks!

Amazing response on a cry for help! Thank you!

Door jam looks OK, will remove the panel tomorrow and check.

Anyone know what goes through 15 that can affect it due to a short?

The same day I installed a dog fence in the rear cabin and I am fearful a short in the roof at a pinch point may be the issue. I dread the idea of attempting the roof membrane!

If I pulled the other fuses for interior lights under the dash can I remove those from the circuit on fuse #15?

You guys are amazing, good karma to you!

 

[BigRondo]

I will check my shop manuals & wiring diagrams tonight when I get home and forward any pertinent info!!