Smoke from engine compartment
#1
5th Gear
Thread Starter
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After 2 weeks of not driving the car; the 8 year old battery is flat, so I promptly got a new a battery and decided to install it myself. I have never changed a car battery before, but how hard can it be? Here goes: Head below the hood, I connected the black cable first, then the other cable which resulted in lots of sparks flying everywhere and the cable getting very hot making it difficult to secure it. I gave up and ripped it off. Looking up from the under the hood, seriously contemplating my decision to DIY, the whole friggin garage is filled with white smoke! Eyes burning I look around and found the smoke coming from the bottom of the engine somewhere. Thankfully; the smoking stopped before I could return with a fire extinguisher.
Now, those of you in the know and when you have stopped laughing (since when is black positive??) What do you think have I toasted? The car runs fine, only three things don’t work anymore: the clock, the radio and the alarm. I confess I haven’t checked any fuses yet.
Now, those of you in the know and when you have stopped laughing (since when is black positive??) What do you think have I toasted? The car runs fine, only three things don’t work anymore: the clock, the radio and the alarm. I confess I haven’t checked any fuses yet.
#2
Race Car
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I'm replying so I can see the responses from someone who might know. I don't. First I thught it should be just fuses. But I'm not sure that fuses protect from reverse current, just over amperage.
Hopefully one of our resident electrical engineers will see this.
Just as hopefully, I hope it's just fuses and relays...
Hopefully one of our resident electrical engineers will see this.
Just as hopefully, I hope it's just fuses and relays...
#3
Rennlist Member
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LoL
To start with, do not start the car anymore before replacing all grilled fuses, you should have 3 busted or 4.
The smoke you have, came from the alternator, behind the motor metallic central fan.
To start with, do not start the car anymore before replacing all grilled fuses, you should have 3 busted or 4.
The smoke you have, came from the alternator, behind the motor metallic central fan.
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#12
Rennlist Member
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When removing a battery: disconnect ground first, then disconnect the positive last.
When installing a battery: install the positive first, then install the negative last.
Less chance of you becoming a professional welder.
Now I am wondering, did you swing a wrench from the positive terminal into the frame (while the negative was still connected) to cause a short, or did you connect the battery backwards.
The positive battery terminal has two black cables coming off it. The ground is a copper braided cable.
You my friend, are not having a very good day. Can you name the movie that line is from?
#14
Rennlist Member
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Sounds like cables were installed reversed...
Sorry man.
Not fun.
The engine harness melted at the alternator.
You will need to purchase the engine harness and an alternator
The harness can be had for about $100, last I checked.
You want 000 043 204 61
This is the part # for the harness update. The normal harness part # will be much, much higher for the same part.
Swapping the harness is a "fun" job
Good luck...
Sorry man.
Not fun.
The engine harness melted at the alternator.
You will need to purchase the engine harness and an alternator
The harness can be had for about $100, last I checked.
You want 000 043 204 61
This is the part # for the harness update. The normal harness part # will be much, much higher for the same part.
Swapping the harness is a "fun" job
Good luck...
#15
5th Gear
Thread Starter
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Thanks for all the replies. Yes, that is what happened - cables the wrong way around - Duh!
Now, if the alternator is toast; shouldn't there be a warning light?
Now, if the alternator is toast; shouldn't there be a warning light?