Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Help !
I have a 98. 5 QC 4wd 24v ISB 2500 with about 34000 trouble free miles, until now. In the last two weeks, I have had to have it towed twice due to a 30 amp fuse (the truck is in the shop, but I think it is called "ignition/run") blowing, located in the fuse panel under the hood. Basically, the first symptom something is wrong is when I try to start the truck - so far, only after is has been thoroughly warmed up and has sat for about 30 minutes - and all the lights on the dash light up normally, and then when the key is turned to start, nothing happens. No solonoid click, nothing. After replacing the fuse, we have found that the fuse blows when trying to crank the engine. However, there isn't any noise from the starter area when it blows. Anyway, after getting it towed the first time, I thought I would try a few things and give it another shot. After a couple hours, I replaced the fuse and it started right up. The only thing I did was disconnect a wire back to the back bumper that I installed for my boat's electric winch. My assumption was that this wire had chaffed and grounded to the frame, and was causing the problem.
So, after driving it another 1000 miles or so, it happened again. Similar circumstances, but this time it was towed to my dealer and left for them to find the problem. Even though they were able to get the fuse to blow once, they cannot find anything obvious that is causing it. They suggested replacing the starter - to the tune of $425 installed - but can't guarantee that will fix anything. When I pick it up tomorrow (without the new starter... ), the mechanic is going to show me a way to jumper this fuse to get the truck started if I am stuck. With that knowledge, I am willing to try it again for a while until maybe we can get it to repeat more often and isolate the problem.
My questions are the obvious ones - has anyone else heard of a similar problem, or have any suggestions for things to try to remedy this ? I feel like I have done about everything, but thinking about being stranded in some of the places I have had the truck the last few weeks is scary in itself. I, just like everyone else, needs their truck to be reliable and I have to be able to trust it. There isn't a TSB that I can find that addresses this issue, so maybe my problem is unique.
Thanks for any information -
Greg Moore
I have a 98. 5 QC 4wd 24v ISB 2500 with about 34000 trouble free miles, until now. In the last two weeks, I have had to have it towed twice due to a 30 amp fuse (the truck is in the shop, but I think it is called "ignition/run") blowing, located in the fuse panel under the hood. Basically, the first symptom something is wrong is when I try to start the truck - so far, only after is has been thoroughly warmed up and has sat for about 30 minutes - and all the lights on the dash light up normally, and then when the key is turned to start, nothing happens. No solonoid click, nothing. After replacing the fuse, we have found that the fuse blows when trying to crank the engine. However, there isn't any noise from the starter area when it blows. Anyway, after getting it towed the first time, I thought I would try a few things and give it another shot. After a couple hours, I replaced the fuse and it started right up. The only thing I did was disconnect a wire back to the back bumper that I installed for my boat's electric winch. My assumption was that this wire had chaffed and grounded to the frame, and was causing the problem.
So, after driving it another 1000 miles or so, it happened again. Similar circumstances, but this time it was towed to my dealer and left for them to find the problem. Even though they were able to get the fuse to blow once, they cannot find anything obvious that is causing it. They suggested replacing the starter - to the tune of $425 installed - but can't guarantee that will fix anything. When I pick it up tomorrow (without the new starter... ), the mechanic is going to show me a way to jumper this fuse to get the truck started if I am stuck. With that knowledge, I am willing to try it again for a while until maybe we can get it to repeat more often and isolate the problem.
My questions are the obvious ones - has anyone else heard of a similar problem, or have any suggestions for things to try to remedy this ? I feel like I have done about everything, but thinking about being stranded in some of the places I have had the truck the last few weeks is scary in itself. I, just like everyone else, needs their truck to be reliable and I have to be able to trust it. There isn't a TSB that I can find that addresses this issue, so maybe my problem is unique.
Thanks for any information -
Greg Moore
GREG, check your private messages. . GARTH
