Meter Fuse keeps popping

[Vernal]

My POS terminal popped off on the freeway and the fuel pump fuse popped and so did the meter fuse. I replaced the fuel pump fuse. I then replaced the meter fuse and once I turn the key to the second position the clock on the speedo and all the lights turn on then the fuse pops and they go out. And now the car will only crank Im guessing cuz the fuel pump is not working cuz i dont hear it. Im also guessing there is a short somewhere thats why the meter fuse keeps popping but I dont know where and its hard to follow the wires. Anybody have had this problem? Is following the wire the only way?

[ManoNegra]

My POS terminal popped off on the freeway and the fuel pump fuse popped and so did the meter fuse. I replaced the fuel pump fuse. I then replaced the meter fuse and once I turn the key to the second position the clock on the speedo and all the lights turn on then the fuse pops and they go out. And now the car will only crank Im guessing cuz the fuel pump is not working cuz i dont hear it. Im also guessing there is a short somewhere thats why the meter fuse keeps popping but I dont know where and its hard to follow the wires. Anybody have had this problem? Is following the wire the only way?

Yes and yes. Take a look at the FSM and see if there's a common ground. I'd start by checking the one for the alternator.

[Vernal]

Well its raining so I am not going to out right now but i was looking at the fsm and i cant really find much. I was looking at the power supplying diagram but got a little confused. I saw that the meter fuse is connecting with 3 other fuse, but all of them are fine. Also my roof lamp keeps popping too. I dont have to turn the key or anything, once i put it in it pops.

[Vernal]

The alternator is all grounded and i checked all the other grounds that I know of. I found the alternator fuse was out so I replaced it and still nothing. I had to go to the dealer to get the dam fuse and it cost me $17. So all the fuses are fine now but still the same shit. Its only the meter and roof lamp that are popping and my fuel pump wont prime up now so I cant start the car.

[ManoNegra]

You don't bother to specify what car you have, S13 or S14, but no worries, I'm clairvoyant and figured out this is an S13 (or maybe I peeked at your avatar).

Looking at EL-42, the gauge cluster (forget this 'meter' nonsense) gets its power through a R/B wire on a 10amp fuse and is grounded at M57. I'm assuming this is problem area - have you checked this wire with a voltmeter? There are also a couple of 10amp fuses for the accessory and ignition that are relevant it seems - it'd be a good idea to check those aswell, could be the reason the car isn't starting.

Now looking at EL-38, the INTERIOR LAMP wiring layout, guess what? The lamp is also grounded at M57. I'm starting to see a patter here.

Look at EL-92 for the location of the body ground M57. Make sure the ground is in good shape and fix it if otherwise.

[Vernal]

hey i cant seem to follow you with the fsm. I have a 1989 so I have the 1989 fsm. I dont think that the page numbers correspond. It would be awesome if you could help me out. The link to the 89 fsm is http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/240sx/1989/1989.pdf

If you dont want to look in the 89 fsm (which I understand), could you tell me where the m57 ground is. I could also send it to you through aim. It takes around 15 sec.

[ManoNegra]

These are from the 91-94 FSM but these sections shoul be similar for an 89.

Interior Lamp:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/7581/el38jo7.jpg

Gauge Cluster:
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/9649/el42yw6.jpg

M57 Ground is on the passenger side above the ECU:
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/9171/el92is5.jpg

[Vernal]

But this still doesnt explain my fuel pump problem. I replaced the fuse, but it doesnt prime in the on position. Is the fuel pump connected to the gauge cluster in some way?

[Vernal]

I just checked m57 and its perfectly fine. Plus there is no way that thing could come off randomly like that. It just doesnt make sense to me. I was on the freeway, the positive terminal popped off and then nothing works? I understand that fuses could have popped but i replaced all of them and the roof lamp and the meter keep popping (meter only in the on position). I just dont see how all of this could result from a terminal popping off.

[sofo259]

i had this problem a few months ago.. the same time this happened my automatic seatbelts quit working..
my fuse blew probably 5 or 6 times, pretty soon it just stopped and everything is fine now..

[Vernal]

edit msglength

[Vernal]

Found out the problem guys, well half the problem. It was a fried ecu. I switched ecus and the car starts now. But it still has the electrical problem with the meter and roof lamp fuses popping. Also the speedo and tach do not work obviously from that meter fuse. Still got to figure that out. When i start it up it the battery light is on for some reason. Maybe it will turn off after regular daily driving.

[1990 s13]

can someone tell me where m57 ground is i cant tell my the picture im having the same problems

[camaro379ss]

Above the pic it says above the ecu on p/s

[1990 s13]

duh damn i just saw once you pointed it out..thank you!