PCM fuse continually blows

2001 BUICK LESABRE
135,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CTDEIHL50
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PCM fuse keeps blowing out once replaced.
Jul 29, 2018 at 6:29 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon.

What is the fuse number?


There are several fuses that control power to the PCM.

Roy
Jul 29, 2018 at 1:00 PM
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CTDEIHL50
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Mini fuse # 8 PCM battery (10A).
Jul 29, 2018 at 2:21 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon.

That is battery control to the PCM. No other circuits that I see.

It is either a wire harness issue or the PCM itself. Unplug the PCM and see if it still blows.

Roy
Jul 29, 2018 at 2:26 PM
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CTDEIHL50
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I already took out PCM and battery from car. I have to get back to you about if fuse blows without PCM plugged in. Once I get battery put back in. Working on two Buick's right now.
Jul 29, 2018 at 2:40 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, keep us updated.

Roy
Jul 29, 2018 at 2:49 PM
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CTDEIHL50
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Okay, put new fuse in installed battery and it did not blow, So I guess it is the PCM then?
Jul 30, 2018 at 10:42 AM
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CTDEIHL50
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Sorry, I did forget to mention that the volt light comes on and stays on before and after fuse would blow and after I removed the PCM itself. I am having brain farts I guess sorry.
Jul 30, 2018 at 11:18 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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One issue at a time. the PCM controls the alternator as well.

Yes, you need to replace the PCM.

Roy
Jul 30, 2018 at 12:23 PM
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CTDEIHL50
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Thank you for your help with this issue, when I get the new PCM I will let you know how it all pans out. Thanks again
Jul 30, 2018 at 2:02 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Feel free to follow up with any other issues.

Roy
Jul 30, 2018 at 2:10 PM
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JYEARY91
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I'm having a similar issue only I keep blowing the PCM, BCM, U/H relay fuse every time i try to start it. But if i unplug one of the connections on my BCM box under the steering column it won't blow but I lose headlights and a few other things.
Apr 2, 2020 at 11:15 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon.

From what you described, the BCM has an internal short and needs to be replaced.

You need a new one, not a used one as it needs to be programmed to your VIN number to be sure all your options function.

If you give me your VIN number I can get the procedure and location for you.

Roy
Apr 2, 2020 at 11:19 AM
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JYEARY91
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Could there be an external short? I'm not at the car right now so I can't get the VIN.
Apr 2, 2020 at 2:59 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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If it was external it would still blow the fuse.

Let me know when you can on the VIN.

Roy
Apr 2, 2020 at 3:13 PM
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JYEARY91
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It blows the fuse when i plug it in.
Apr 2, 2020 at 3:35 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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I read that before.

We are back to the BCM again.

Roy
Apr 2, 2020 at 3:39 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Have you checked the plug itself to see if there are any pins touching that would cause a short? Also, take a look at the attached pic and let me know if I have the correct fuse that is blowing.

If I do and there is no damage to the pins in the connector, I want you to unbolt the BCM so it has no ground. If it still blows the fuse, the problem is in the wiring to it. If it doesn't, then chances are the BCM has an internal short.

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know.

Joe


Apr 2, 2020 at 4:05 PM (Merged)
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JYEARY91
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Yes, that is the right fuse. So your saying look at the plug itself to see if there are any pins touching?
Apr 2, 2020 at 4:05 PM (Merged)
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JYEARY91
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I'm not sure what you mean by unbolt the BCM because what I think is the BCM is just hanging down right now. I'll take a picture.
Apr 2, 2020 at 4:05 PM (Merged)
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JYEARY91
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This is what I unplugged to be able to start it:
Apr 2, 2020 at 4:05 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Yes, the plug itself has pins in it that can bend or become damaged and short. As far as the BCM, I don't think it should be hanging.

Let me know.
Joe
Apr 2, 2020 at 4:05 PM (Merged)
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JYEARY91
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Okay, so the pins are not damaged.
Apr 2, 2020 at 4:05 PM (Merged)
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JYEARY91
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What exactly do you mean by unbolt the BCM?
Apr 2, 2020 at 4:05 PM (Merged)
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Previous question was would not go over 65, cleaned it and now sputters out when you step on gas. Code 31 .
When you unplug it it does not shut off. Should it?
New one does same thing . Do I have a ECM problem.
Can you supply me with voltages at connector?
Apr 2, 2020 at 4:11 PM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good evening,

Did it have a code prior to you cleaning the mass air flow sensor?

First, you cannot clean that sensor, The part that gets carboned up has carbon baked on the end. There is no cleaner to remove baked on carbon.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

I would suspect either fuel pressure or a cat converter issue. It may be clogged not allowing it to go any faster than 65.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Roy

Circuit Description
When a pillar (Vortex generating body) is placed in the path of a uniform flow, vortices called Karman-Vortex are generated downstream of the object. Using this principle, a vortex generator is placed inside the volume air flow meter. By measuring the frequency of the vortices generated, the engine control module can determine the volume of air flowing through the volume air flow meter. The vortices are detected by their exerted pressure on thin metal foil (mirror) surfaces and a light emitting element and light receptor (LED and photo transistor) positioned opposite the mirror which senses the vibrations in the mirror optically. The engine control module uses these signals mainly for calculation of the basic injection volume and the basic ignition advance angle.



Apr 2, 2020 at 4:11 PM (Merged)
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KASEKENNY
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Yes. You could have an issue with the ECM. The three possible causes of this code and your issue are the sensor, wiring, or the ECM. I supplied all the testing for this code so if you run through this you will find the cause.

I would not just replace the ECM as this is the most likely cause after the sensor but that is expensive if it turns out to be a wiring issue. You can find that out with this testing.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
Apr 2, 2020 at 4:11 PM (Merged)
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JYEARY91
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The VIN you needed is 2G4WS52JOY1307770.
Apr 2, 2020 at 11:39 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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I would do basic diagnostics first before replacing parts that may not be bad.

You need around 60 pounds of fuel pressure for this engine.

Also, check the back pressure of the exhaust. You can get a back pressure gauge to test the back pressure. You remove the upstream O2 sensor and insert it. If you have more than 1.5 pounds, the cat is bad.

Do your basics first before replacing anything so you do not waste your money on unneeded parts.

Roy
Apr 3, 2020 at 3:22 AM