97 Camry Starter System Electrical problem

[mgil3000]

My 97 Camry blows the 5A under dash starter fuse every time key is in start position, in park or neutral, with or without the starter relay in place. Jumping the hi power side of the relay circuit (relay removed) starts the car without problems; car runs fine. Jumping the low power side blows the fuse as above. I read 12V at the hot side of the subject fuse with key in start position; nothing when key in run. Open circuit/no resistance measured on both sides of the fuse when the key is in the start position. Any advice as to what to do next?

[Pvt-Public]

Remove the starter relay. If you have a new starter relay, substitute for the old one and see if the starter fuse blows.

Waste of time. The OP stated:

My 97 Camry blows the 5A under dash starter fuse every time key is in start position, in park or neutral, with or without the starter relay in place.

The short will be some where between the relay and the ignition switch, the ignition switch or even the neutral safety switch. You need to start back tracing wires. If you need it I can try to send you the wiring diagram after I get home from work this PM.

[dc_98_cam]

^ You're right ... wouldn't be the starter relay.

[mgil3000]

A wiring diagram or where to get a reasonably priced one (starving college student!) would be great. How could you send it?