Rep Power: 0

hey all,
my 2003 LX-G left me hanging this morning and needed a tow home. the engine cut out about 10 minutes after i left home, just after getting up to speed on the highway. it was freezing cold, like -15 C / 5F. just stopped suddenly. oil light was on when i got it pulled over and i thought i saw the green key light as i was pulling over. checked the oil and other fluids - fine. tried turning it over a few times (didn't want to over do it) and it sounds normal but won't start. got it home and there is no fire at the spark plugs. car is high mileage at 280,000 km / 175,000 mi and has been burning a little oil lately but otherwise ran great. recently (month or so ago) replaced the timing belt and water pump although no ignition parts, other than the spark plugs, have been replaced in awhile. i live in eastern canada and the car has definitly been through its share of rain, slush, salt and snow in the past week or so. i'm gonna have a look at it in the morning once i get all the crap moved out of my garage. anyone have any ideas as to what might be going on here?

 
Rep Power: 0

check your fuse box for melted fuses

 
Rep Power: 285

Have you tested the alternator?

 
Rep Power: 0

15A ecu fuse keeps blowing as soon as soon as its replaced. obviously a short somewhere. patching the fuse causes a brown relay in the glove box to buzz. anyone know where i can find a good electrical diagram for this car?

 
Rep Power: 0

just manually follow your lines. even if you have to take the wrap off, its cheap to replace and gives you an excuse to do a nice little wire tuck too.
process of elimination bud...
and just google for the diagram

 
Rep Power: 0

verdict is the crank sensor.

 
Rep Power: 235

The service manual says that fuse isn't used in '03 models (weird). Fuse 15 is for the security control unit (immobilizer). Could be a bad immobilizer or ECM/PCM but, I suspect an open or bad ground, especially since the fuse keeps blowing and the main relay buzzes.

First, check the ground wire going from the front of the engine to the radiator support.

If that ground wire is good:

1. When you turn the key to ON (II) does the little green key light stay on for 2 seconds then go off?

2. When you turn it off does the light blink 5 times?

 
Rep Power: 0

yea i've isolated the short to the crank position sensor. FI ECU fuse doesn't blow until it is plugged in. car will also start when it is not plugged in (although takes longer turning over). seems like the sensor must have shorted internally?? haven't gotten it off yet to test it.

 
Rep Power: 0

yup, totally fried. replaced that and i'm back on the road! thanks everyone for the help. cheers!

 
Rep Power: 313

Glad it's working... your one of many who have had the sensor fail.