Problem started on friday when my stereo would suddenly turn off and back on. It then led to other electrical issues (gauge cluster not lighting up or reading) My car would also sputter to accelerate. I figured it was the alternator.

I replaced the alternator with a used one and everything seemed fine til last night when the problems came back. I had also replaced the battery as the old one had died completely.

The only thing I noticed was that the power wire running from the battery to the amp/cap. has 2 bolts on the fuse. I'm pretty sure that they touching the bottom of the battery tray making contact, I figured the fuse would blow if that were the case.

I relocated the wire so nothing is touching it. But just curious to see if this could be the culprit to my headache. I'm awaiting a new alternator and had my new battery recharged so I won't know for sure what exactly is wrong.

Any other areas I should look at?

 

No its not. The battery wires are all meant to be able to lye on the ground with out sparking. Unless there is a piece of that wire hit the ground, you would see sparks, and smell something burning, not to mention seeing burn marks on the car, you would probally blow a fuse anyway.

Sounds like you have a loose ground somewhere, or your ignition thingy on the steering colum is starting to go.

 

good info.

but would that cause the alternator and battery to die?

It's not the actual battery wire but the power wire running power to the capacitor.

I took a better look at the wire and there is a portion of it coming right out of the fuse that has some bare wire showing and seems to have hardened and the rubber covering has darkened.

I'll check all the grounds to doublecheck.

could you give me more clarification on the ignition part you're talking about?

Thanks!

 

My guess is that you are correct, if the fuse holder bolts touched ground together or the bolt on the batt. side touched ground the electrical charging system would short out and no fuse would blow.
The other possibility is a connection problem, a poor alt. to under hood fuse box connection or a poor batt. to chassis/motor ground. 94

 

thanks fellas. I will post up later today if I have any luck!