Starter cable to the postive terminal is getting hot

[white_335i]

Hello,

I was driving the truck this morning and all of a sudden, the battery light and a few other lights came on and the truck died. There was no power from the battery, meaning, when I turn the key on, none of the lights in the dash come on. I had to coast it tobthe near by parking lot and called for tow truck and got it towed home.

I disconnected the battery and removed it along with the alternator. Had them both checked at autozone. Alternator tested out good, but the battery was about 10v. Battery is 10 months old, but still went ahead and got a new battery and installed both alternator and the battery and when I went back to connect the starter cable to the +terminal, it is shorting, meaning, when I touch the cable to the +terminal, sparks are flying.

I had changed the starter about 2 weeks ago and not sure if I had messed up the cable.

I used a voltmeter to check for continuity and when connected the +lead of the voltmeter to the starter cable and -lead of the voltmeter to ground, I hear a beep. Is this a clear sign of the cable going bad? Before I order a new one, can you guys think of any other reasons? Oh, I had also checked for voltage at the positive terminal under the hood and I see 12v. So, there is power coming from the battery, so assuming BST is good.. Anything else that you could think of?

Thanks
Abi

[80stech]

So the positive battery cable is getting hot as soon as you connect it??

[white_335i]

Originally Posted by 80stech

So the positive battery cable is getting hot as soon as you connect it??

It was hot when the car died, the cable melted a little in to the plastic housing.. After I got it towed home, I had disconnected it to remove alternator. After I had installed the alternator and the new battery and when I went back connect the cable, that is when it is shorting out/sparks coming. So I left it disconnected.

[80stech]

You better double check your work at the starter. You could also leave alternator disconnected (tape up wire end) to eliminate that as a problem.

[white_335i]

Turned out that the starter wire touched the starter body and created a short circuit. Replaced the cable and starter and we are back in business. Got super lucky and did not burn any modules..

[Overboost]

Whew. That could have been disastrous.