Also look for pinched wiring harnesses that may cause a wire to ground out when the body shifts during changes in direction (turning, reverse, etc).

As far as Chevy really sticking it to anyone, you have to take anything you read on the internet with a grain of salt. There are MANY good vehicles out there, but the content owners rarely find a reason to write about it. Those that have problems tell the world about it as if it was some colossal travesty.

 

So here's the 411 on the problem with this 1997 Blazer blowing the #4 fuse.
On the right side axle there was a group of wires coming to the 4 wd actuator that were frayed and when the Blazer turned right, they would rub and spark.
The mechanic said the group was burned some how. Not sure how that happened, but it happened.
Well regardless of that, that was the problem for this Blazer blowing that fuse. It has been fixed and the Blazer drives like a dream now, well except for the fuel gauge that is hung up, but that's for another day.
Thanks for your help and good luck to anyone else with this problem.

 

Thanks for the follow up! I am sure that the others that have this issue will find this enlightening!

 

someone please email me because yea my number 4 in the 97 blazer I have keeps blowing too!!!!! AHHHHHH!!!!! started the truck yesterday and smoke started coming out of the dast by the fuse box! WTF is shorting out!!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!! redbudjoe269@yahoo.com PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

 

I'm having the same problem with my '97 LS, only my fuse is blowing as soon as I turn the key. I had switched to a 20amp fuse and that seemed to work for a little while but nit any more. Haven't driven the truck in about 3 weeks and haven't been able to get it checked out. Doesn't help that my battery is completely dead!

 

I had the same problem with the gauge fuse #4 on my 96 4x4 Blazer. Mechanic couldn't figure it out (ended up with a new alternator I didn't need, but its a really tough problem). If it weren't for google, I don't think I would have either...

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/dir...7/3077#MSG3077

The link has a post that indicated it was the "4WD indication light switch". Its not the control switch (which is vacuum operated). The "4WD indication light switch" is mounted near the front diff and it controls the light on the shift console that shows it has entered 4WD mode. Disconnect that switch (the connector is close by). You will have to get under the car and looking toward the diff from the passenger side of the front axle you will see the switch and connector. Once you confirm unplugging it works (I drove over 200 miles home), replace the switch, its under $30.

Bill