Trying to help a friend with his 2008 ES350, car has 160K miles.
It just shut down out of the blue while driving. Check VSC light was on and I found the EFI fuse was blown. Replaced it and it blew again.
He took it to a local shop and they said the transmission is bad because when they unplugged the harness, the car will start. That still sounds like an electrical short to me, not a bad transmission.
He’s getting the car back Monday, I was just looking for suggestions on what to check. I plan on checking O2 sensors first but was hoping someone may have had a similar issue.

 

First use an OBDII reader to check for codes. Test the EFI relay. I don't have wiring diagrams for this vehicle, so it is hard to give specific advice. You may have a wiring short, or maybe the relay has an internal short. The good news is that you have some clues, like the blown fuse. Quiz the owner about any recent work done or anything out of the ordinary of late. It's not common to have issues "out of the blue," but it happens! Good luck.

 

here's the diagram if that's any help

 

The shop should have the codes and may have checked a few things already, I’ll find out tomorrow. I just find it odd that unplugging the t/m harness solves the fuse issue and allows the car to start. Anything sensors in particular to check on the t/m? I’ve seen people mention the harness in the driver’s wheel well getting damaged

 

Thanks, this diagram is partially helpful, but the wiring diagrams shop manual is called for.

The first thing I would be looking for is circuits common to both the EFI fuse and the wiring harness, that when disconnected, prevents the fuse from blowing. Visually inspecting the wiring harness downstream from the disconnect is called for. Each component downstream needs to be tested/inspected as well.