Fuse number ten (coolant sensor, O2 sensor, a couple solenoids) keeps blowing

2004 SATURN ION
170,000 MILES
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GROTEONE
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My Fuse number ten in the engine box has blown twice now. The first time it happened, the coolant level indicator and check engine light turned on simultaneously. The second time, the coolant level indicator light turned on, with the check engine light following after ten miles. Is it possible that a bad coolant level sensor is causing the fuse to blow?
Jan 21, 2017 at 1:14 AM
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STEVE W.
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Possible, but I would check the wiring that goes to the oxygen sensors. Being that it runs near the exhaust system it is likely that a tie wrap or clip failed and the harness hit the hot exhaust and is grounding out now and then because the wire insulation is melted, causing the fuse to blow.
Jan 21, 2017 at 2:35 AM
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GROTEONE
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Will do. thank you so much!
Jan 21, 2017 at 3:19 PM
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STEVE W.
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Please let us know how the repair turns out as it may help others with similar problems.
Jan 21, 2017 at 3:54 PM
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GROTEONE
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An update: In addition to the check engine light and the coolant level sensor being on, my battery light turned on, the dashboard lights dimmed, and the airbag light flashed a couple times. Figuring that I had a bigger problem than I could handle on my own, I brought the car to the mechanic.

They found that the wiring near an O2 sensor had lost insulation and was grounding out - kudos to you for the excellent guess!

They charged me to replace both O2 sensors and the alternator - does that make sense to you? I can see how one O2 sensor had to be replaced, and maybe the second as well because they have to both be replaced as a pair? Or maybe the shorting broke both sensors? I can also see how a bad alternator would cause the battery problem, but I wonder the wiring shorting out could have done the same thing. I guess the shorting could have affected the alternator as well.
Feb 3, 2017 at 7:31 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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The o2 sensors don't have to be replaced in pairs I have replaced plenty of just the upstream ones that are screwed into the exhaust manifolds on those cars.As far as the battery light a bad alternator would cause that and the lights to dim from the alternator not charging.
Feb 3, 2017 at 12:20 PM
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STEVE W.
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Most of the time the wiring harnesses run together so if one wire gets damaged it's likely that others do as well. In your case the O2 sensor heater harness wires run together. The alternator issue is likely due to the shorting wires causing a problem with voltage spikes.
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Feb 3, 2017 at 12:21 PM