jster1963

I started my car and it fired right up then died. It then started BILLOWING smoke from under the hood. I turned off the key, but the service engine light was still on. After running and getting a fire extinguisher, I open the hood and the smoke dissipated.

I’ve had no previous electrical problems so this is so strange. After checking around, I found the fusible link on the negative battery cable TOTALLY BURNED up (pic)! On the positive battery cable, the smaller wire got hot enough to melt the insulation and expose the copper wire (pic) Also, the copper grounding strap burned thru (pic). So, I disconnected the battery, and that's the only thing that turned off the service engine light.

While trouble shooting, I hooked up the battery and tried to start it. It sputtered for a second and now only cranks. I put a speaker wire in place of the negative cable fusible link, and it sparked rite away so I took it off.

I am the original owner and it totally stock. I have a shop manual, but my wire diagram skills are not very good. If you have any idea how to tackle this, please let me know. Also, there is a little black block on the positive batter cable (pic-next post), does anyone know what this is? Thank you.

jster1963

Here are the other pics

84ws6ta

First off the smaller wire on the negative cable is not a fusable link. It is a ground wire to the chassis. Your fusable links are normally at the starter on the main lines for the lights and the ignition. It sounds like you have a dead short somewhere in the wiring. Somewhere a hot wire is making contact with the chassis/body. Start checking the wiring for signs of arcing and worn insulation, including the positive battery cable.

jster1963

Thank you. That is what a friend told me. He thinks a positive wire is touching the body. I'll start looking.......

jster1963

I'm striking out! I know I have some positive wire that is grounded, but can't find it. I'm going to try taking out the cooling fan relay today and see if that is the prob. This is the unfused item on my wiring diagram. I sure hope I don't have to get a tow truck and take it to the shop!

WhiteBlaze

iTrader: (1)

Check your connections to the starter. That's where the main distribution is.

jster1963

It was not the cooling fan relay, but I did find it! I was desperate and started by cutting the accessory cord, which didn't work. I then cut the other positive cable (the one the goes to the alternator) and that seemed to fix it. I have no idea how that could be shorting, but it stopped after that. I won't claim total victory until I get new cables. I'll post when I do.......

jster1963

EURICKA! I found it! Ok, guys it really was the positive wire to the alternator. I couldn’t see it until I pulled off the wire (see pic). It rubbed thru and was touching the power steering line.

Mystery solved! It seems that the company that installed my alarm in 1988, removed my fusible link (see pic) and spliced in the kill switch and alarm system. The black box (see pic) detects current for the kill switch.

So over 20 years ago some KNUCKLEHEAD removed my fusible link and made my car a ticking fire bomb:-( Luckily both ground straps blew! Now to find a new OEM positive cable………