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70ptta
11-23-2006, 02:35 PM
I need help with a little problem. I was driving my Trans Am today and it just shut off. There was a little smoke so I checked under the hood and I couldnt see any thing burnt. Then I went to check the battery in the trunk and there was a little smoke in there and the battery cables were melted. Any idea what this can be? Thanks
70ptta
11-25-2006, 07:52 PM
anyone???
rocketrod
11-25-2006, 08:05 PM
A few questions to get things going.
Have you performed any maintenance ot modifications recently? If so, what?
How often do you drive the car, and prior to your problem when was the last time you drove it?
70ptta
11-26-2006, 09:18 AM
For maintenance reguler engine stuff I checked the battery and it had plenty of fluid. This is my weekend car so I dont put a lot of miles on it but last time I drove it was about 3-4 weeks before it took a dump. Let me know what other info can help. Only issue the car had was heat soak. Even with a new powermaster mini starter it does it but not as bad. Can it be the the wireing was just bad from heating up so much.
MrQuick
11-26-2006, 07:48 PM
...what are you grounded too? and where are your fuse links?
rocketrod
11-26-2006, 07:56 PM
...what are you grounded too? and where are your fuse links?
What he said, plus what gauge wire are you using for grounds and positive cables?
70ptta
11-28-2006, 09:13 PM
The wires are standard battery cables and grounded to the rear frame rail and what do you mean by fuse links.
J2speedandcustom
11-29-2006, 06:55 AM
The wires are standard battery cables and grounded to the rear frame rail and what do you mean by fuse links.

Where does the positive lead on the battery go to? the starter or a distribution block? Do you have a master blade fuse near the battery on this line? How is the wiring from you alternator to your starter to you battery?
6'9"Witha69
11-29-2006, 09:12 AM
Melted cables mean 1 of 2 things. The cables are too small (wrong gauge) to handle the load, especially from the trunk forward. The second is that the + cable grounded and shorted the system. Had the same issues in my '66 Mustang 12 years ago. Better cables, properly routed, and ensure there are no rubbing pionts along the run.