Fuse - ABS, Heat

[psycho_freke]

In leu of the new sticky on this forum, Let me address this issue this way:

1. What make/model of vehicle has the problem?

1996 Acura Integra GSR (DB8)

2. What important modifications have you done to the vehicle? Is the engine swapped? If so, with what? Does it have a turbo? If so, give us a quick rundown of the turbo kit, even if you don't think it may be the cause of the problem.

Headlight 9007 conversion, magnaflow high flow cat, and Greddy 4-2-1 header

3. What engine management system do you have? Stock? Chipped ECU? Stand-alone EMS?

Stock

4. Give us a GOOD description of the problem. Just telling us that the car "acts funny" or "sputters sometimes" does NOT help us answer your question AT ALL.

For some reason my 7.5a fuse to the RR Defrost, heater motor, and cooling fan relays keeps going out. Oddly, when it goes out my ABS light also comes on. The strangest part is (possibly a coincidence) it seems to happen when I'm in VTEC (not 100% sure if it's when I'm going into VTEC or coming out of VTEC, because I don't always notice it in time to note the exact second it happens). I'm tired of freezing my ass off from blowing fuses! I know I shouldn't use a bigger fuse, but I've been using 10a fuses in there for lack of being able to find 7.5a in anything other than a multipack. Does anyone have any ideas/suggestions on where to start to find out what the problem is?

5. Do you have a Check Engine Light or any other lights on the dash? We NEED to know this, ESPECIALLY for drivability issues. If you have a CEL on, what code is it? If you do not know how to check, refer to this thread HERE ----> http://www.importatlanta.com/forums/...d.php?t=147550

CEL is not on, but ABS light is.

6. Does the problem happen all the time, or intermittently (sometimes)?

Intermittently

7. What parts have you already replaced trying to fix the problem?

7.5a fuse (multiple times)

8. How much mechanical experience do you have? We need to know this, if you can't even change your own oil, chances are, you won't be able to understand how to implement our advice properly, and you are likely to do even more damage to your car.

I have never gotten into the block of the motor. Other than that, I'm pretty familiar with cars.

9. Do NOT get mad if we tell you that it is YOUR FAULT. It happens, people make mistakes when working on cars, you aren't exempt from that. Remember, we aren;t getting paid to help you fix your problem, it is easy for us to say "We don't know, go to a mechanic."

I won't.

10. PLEASE use proper spelling and grammar. It helps us understand the problem MUCH easier, and if we understand the problem we can help you with it much better.

I will.

[Barefoot]

does the fuse blow with the fan off and in vtec.

[psycho_freke]

Come to think of it, I haven't tried that...

I know this sounds strange, but whatever is going on, it also seems to be affecting my gas mileage.

[Barefoot]

try it out an see what happens. i haven't seen to many electrical issues like your effect fuel mileage.

[psycho_freke]

I thought that seemed a little strange, but watching my gas guage drop like I've got a V6 under the hood does make me a little suspicious. I'm really thinking this is a short, because I haven't had trouble with this the last few times I drove the car, but after replacing the o-ring on my dizzy, it's started up again. I'm suspecting a short under the hood somewhere, but not quite sure where to start looking. During the time that everything was working fine, I could drive round trip from Locust Grove, almost to College Park and back with little difference on the gas guage (maybe 1/8 tank). Last night I drove to Morrow, then to McDonough and back home and it took me about 1/4 tank of gas!

[psycho_freke]

Tested theory. Fuse still blows with the heat off :\

[Barefoot]

start tracing wires look for anything that doesnt seem right. lol im tired that the best description i can give at the moment.

[psycho_freke]

I had an idea, and I'm wondering how well it will work. I thought about possibly disconnecting all of the relays and components that travel through that circuit (the ABS, rear defrost, and Heater Blower) and then reconnect them one at a time until the fuse goes. Then I'll have an idea on where to start tracing wires (or replacing relays if there is one stuck closed).

[Barefoot]

That's pretty it.