Electrical Problem
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 68
From: Woodland Hills California
Electrical Problem
I was removing my starter and the positive lug on the solenoid broke off (a common problem I have read). The lug was hanging loose with the battery positive cable and the alternator charging cable connected. I had to roll up the window, so needed to restore electrical power. However, I did not check the location of that loose hanging lug, so when I connected the positive cable to the battery, the lug shorted to ground (I think it was touching the exhaust). I disconnected the battery cable, moved the lug away from any ground, and reconnected. No electrical power. Cannot roll up that window. Cannot get accessory mode to come up on starter button.
I do not think that anything can get damaged by shorting the positive cable, other than the cable and/or the battery. I was going to check the battery voltage, but my voltmeter had dead battery. Am I correct?
I do not think that anything can get damaged by shorting the positive cable, other than the cable and/or the battery. I was going to check the battery voltage, but my voltmeter had dead battery. Am I correct?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 68
From: Woodland Hills California
Trying to understand how the fuses could pop. A dead short should send the current to ground, the path of least resistance. How does it flow into the rest of the power distribution system?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
You sent a short circuit through ground of the entire car and everything electrical in the car is grounded somewhere. It also sent a shock through the alternator circuit.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 289
Likes: 13
From: San Jose CA
There is a starter fuse 30 40A in the under hood fuse block. Also a fusible link between the alternator and starter motor.
When pulling off the power supply, I think it is best to leave the windows down. Without power the windows will not index and doors won't open/close properly.
Also if the doors are closed and the windows are up and with out power supply, you will have to go through the trunk to release the doors.
If I plan to disconnect the battery I put windows down first. Down first, so I can easily open and close the doors and if closed, just reach inside to the floor release lever to open. Hopefully you have a dry place to work and can leave the windows down...
Keep us posted on what you find out.
When pulling off the power supply, I think it is best to leave the windows down. Without power the windows will not index and doors won't open/close properly.
Also if the doors are closed and the windows are up and with out power supply, you will have to go through the trunk to release the doors.
If I plan to disconnect the battery I put windows down first. Down first, so I can easily open and close the doors and if closed, just reach inside to the floor release lever to open. Hopefully you have a dry place to work and can leave the windows down...
Keep us posted on what you find out.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 68
From: Woodland Hills California
Yes it is! I lost a couple nights of sleep worrying over what damage I might have done when I shorted that battery cable. Now I just need to finish swapping the z06 exhaust for the stock so I can get the California recall done.
If things go as planned, I will sell my C6 next year and get a C7 z06. I will not modify anything on that car. Too many headaches in California.
If things go as planned, I will sell my C6 next year and get a C7 z06. I will not modify anything on that car. Too many headaches in California.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Yes it is! I lost a couple nights of sleep worrying over what damage I might have done when I shorted that battery cable. Now I just need to finish swapping the z06 exhaust for the stock so I can get the California recall done.
If things go as planned, I will sell my C6 next year and get a C7 z06. I will not modify anything on that car. Too many headaches in California.
If things go as planned, I will sell my C6 next year and get a C7 z06. I will not modify anything on that car. Too many headaches in California.
Last edited by timd38; Jan 1, 2016 at 04:26 PM.