On my Contour -- '98 (built 9/97) V6 ATX w/ 98K mile. No mods at all, only work I've done since buying her in Feb was replace the water pump.

Driving north on I-71 on Saturday near Strongsville, OH and 110 miles from home, when the engine just STOPS. Cold. All the needles on the dash immediately drop to zero (so even though I'm coasting, the MPH reads 0). I manage to coast to the side.

Eventually find that fuse #9, blue 20A, for the PCM is blown. Call a friend, they bring a new fuse, it blows as well on the first turn of the key. Car towed to next exit (Center Towing, Strongsville, OH gets a :thumbsup: ), and then girlfriend's father trailers it the 110 miles home for me (Thank you!). Now it's on the street in front of the house, and I need to find the short.

The little that I've found searching is the fuse blowing on startup, I haven't seen an example of one blowing while driving (after nearly two hours of trouble free driving).

Other than grabbing my multimeter, and my Ford CD, are there any hints about where to start? Tracing the wiring harness is going to be a royal PITA, and any shortcuts are most appreciated.

Thanks!


Mark 2001 Laser Red Cougar V6 ATX CougarFest 2006 1st (tie) Best Paint / 2nd Cleanest Car CougarFest 2005 Best Stock 1998 Contour V6 ATX 1993 Tempo I4 ATX