So my car won't crank right now. This is what has happened

I installed an ebay intake and after hitting a bump in the road, the intake made contact with my positive battery post which blew a hole in my battery and melted both battery cables. Please don't flame me for being an idiot. I thought it was secure but I've learned and have since wrapped the intake so it won't happen again. The car still cranked, though I didn't drive it anywhere besides moving it places in the driveway. The day before I installed the new battery and cables, it actually wouldn't crank. Figured it was finally toast and replaced everything that melted/blew up.

One thing about the new battery cables, the negative one had the ground running to the frame but not the extension running to the engine block. Is the second ground absolutely needed for my car to start? When I turn the key, I'm hearing the two clicks which would be the relay and fuel pump? but other than that, nothing. The starter seems to be trying to engage from time to time because I hear a very low pitched whirring noise. I had my starter tested and was told it was fine, though I'm still sketchy about it and think its fried. All other electrical works and is completely fine. Maybe my battery isn't fully charged? Is that other ground really needed? I'm guessing it's worth trying another starter while I wait for a response. Not sure on any of the voltage readings, guess I can pick up a meter while I'm out as well

Oh, and hopefully this bit of info helps as well. My car won't even push start at this point

 

Just a thouht, maybe you've done it, did you check/replace the 50amp fuse link(clear center nuts hold it on both sides) in the fuse box under hood? That's what I fried with a short on mine a while back.


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Exactly, Hopefully its that simple. By the way the reason for these huge fuse's is incedents just like this.

The ground wire running from your frame to the transmission is also important. You can buy another short ground cable to run from the tranny to the frame, use the same bolt that connects the frame ground. It doesn't have to be one piece like the factory harness.
By the way making a large ground wire can be difficult due to the huge connectors that are crimped on with a special tool, maybe a electrical shop can help if needed. Hopefully you can just find an appropriately sized pre made cable.

 

I checked those fuses and replaced them to make sure, definitely not the problem. Not only am I missing the ground from the frame to the tranny but I'm also missing the ground from my valve cover to the frame/radiator. I understand this probably is my issue as to why I can't crank my car normally, but would it really prevent me from push starting?

 

If the radiator ground doesn't have a good ground or none at all the ecu is basically dead.

 

Sorry....thermostat ground.....read it wrong. But even if just the tranny ground isn't hooked up the starter will more than likely not turn over.

 

Thanks, guys! I never knew grounds were that important but I read up on them. Rigged a wire from the chassis to the tranny and it started right up. Glad I could learn something!