Car is a '96 Civic LX 4 door that is stock.

Problem = under dash VSS fuse (#15) keeps blowing whenever the car is started. If I turn the key to the "on" position, nothing happens. Blows only when started.

I searched the archives and everyone says the problem is either the VSS itself, an O2 sensor, or a ground in the main alternator wire (white) that is coming off the alternator and connecting to the under hood fuse box. I don't have any fancy equipment, so I unplugged the VSS, both O2 sensors coming off of the cat and disconnected the white alternator wire from the main fuse box under the hood and the fuse still bows whenever I start the car. Does unplugging these items automatically mean that these are NOT the problem? Maybe I have a short under the dash somewhere? Please help!!!

 

You may have a short in the wire harness that runs under the intake manifold over near the drivers side. It's allowed to rub against a bracket under there and short out. There was a TSB issued concerning this on 96-98 Civic's.

 

So it can be another wire besides the white alternator wire? If that's the case, it could explain why disconnecting the alt wire didn't do anything. I'll check that out.