Car won't start after EFI CTRL short

[TheBRZsKnees]

Hey all, I really appreciate any advice here. I was on my way home earlier this week when my engine cut out. My car is 2014 AT with an FBM turbo kit.

After having it towed home, I found that the EFI CTRL fuse was blown. I replaced it, and it blew again immediately. After hours of searching, I found that my downpipe had partially melted the wire to my passenger-side cam sensor. The fitment of the downpipe is terrible (actually up against another sensor). I heat wrapped it, but this wire had melted on one of the bungs that poked out from the heat wrap.

I wrapped the wire in electrical tape and pulled it to the side. During this process, the battery had died (my battery is crap). I had my roommate jump me, but still no start. However, the fuse didn't blow this time either. I do hear a clicking sound at some points.

For some reason, the key fob doesn't unlock anything anymore, and my stereo doesn't start when I go into Aux. I still get the green key light on the dash when in the car though. I've rechecked all the fuses. I confirmed that it's not a steering lockout issue. I'm still combing through the forums, but I'm running out of things to try =[

[TheBRZsKnees]

Hah, I guess this post was premature. After checking this thread, I gave it another jump. It look a few tries, but as I as lamenting to my girlfriend the fact that the car wouldn't even go into AUX, the dash lit up and the car when into AUX. I gave it another shot and she started right up.

I still have a CEL and the sound of the ratchets and bolts rolling around since I dropped several into the engine bay during my investigation, but she starts up consistently now.

[guybo]

I'll bet the CEL will clear after a few run cycles. Check the code though and make sure it's not for another issue.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by ph4zon

I had my roommate jump me,

Glad you got it fixed and actually resolved the root cause (unlike soooo man others)


That is a great roommate but I am not sure I would have taken time out for that while may car was broken.

[exE36M3]

FWIW - When fuses blow I usually check one of two things:

1. Bad ground wire - sometimes I forget to either tighten it down (after seating the nut by hand). Common issue if you've done an all day install and you are crazy tired.
2. Or bad quality wiring (happens) - you can see the outer insulation cooked/browned/even blackened. Also a burning plastic smell.

I get that the car starts BUT... I'm personally anal about stuff like electricals because when they decide to fail, it's great when it's at home in the AM, but SUCKS when you are nowhere and the car decides to die.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by exE36M3

FWIW - When fuses blow I usually check one of two things:

1. Bad ground wire - sometimes I forget to either tighten it down (after seating the nut by hand). Common issue if you've done an all day install and you are crazy tired.
2. Or bad quality wiring (happens) - you can see the outer insulation cooked/browned/even blackened. Also a burning plastic smell.

I get that the car starts BUT... I'm personally anal about stuff like electricals because when they decide to fail, it's great when it's at home in the AM, but SUCKS when you are nowhere and the car decides to die.

I wish I had a dollar for every person that said "I changed the fuse and all was OK again" without even attempting to find what blew the fuse. Fuses don't just blow randomly for no reason (well not most of the time at any rate).
You missed number 3 - Somebody installed something wrong or that required great power than the fuse was rated at.

[exE36M3]

Ha, no lie brother. I personally cringe whenever I see guys working their cars with watches, bracelets, or rings. They are in for a red and rude awakening if they hit any live electrical lead. :\

They should have NEVER cut autoshop from the schools.
We have too many smart kids now who are absolutely clueless when it comes to fixing even the most basic things on their car.

(Not picking on anyone on this board but, the schools screwed you guys in the name of STEM.)

Originally Posted by Tcoat

I wish I had a dollar for every person that said "I changed the fuse and all was OK again" without even attempting to find what blew the fuse. Fuses don't just blow randomly for no reason (well not most of the time at any rate).
You missed number 3 - Somebody installed something wrong or that required great power than the fuse was rated at.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by exE36M3

Ha, no lie brother. I personally cringe whenever I see guys working their cars with watches, bracelets, or rings. They are in for a red and rude awakening if they hit any live electrical lead. :\

They should have NEVER cut autoshop from the schools.
We have too many smart kids now who are absolutely clueless when it comes to fixing even the most basic things on their car.

(Not picking on anyone on this board but, the schools screwed you guys in the name of STEM.)

They cut it from your schools? Not here. Thank goodness. In fact you can actually start the education for an apprenticeship with some of the advanced High School shop classes.

[jasonojordan]

Hopefully you are getting that battery replaced soon as well.

[exE36M3]

Yep, California cut it from public schools in the 90s as well as driver's ed.
Removing the ability to both fix and pilot the car. :\