Topic: Hot wire from battery?
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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Hello C3 world,
I am a new trial member. I just purchased my C3, an '82 Collector edition. Not specifically my first choice, but still a very good car. My problem is a hot wire running from a hot terminal post in battery compartment. The wire is orange and appears to be original equipment. The inline fuse and holder has gotten so hot the fuse is partially melted and does not make although it still has continuity. When the fuse is working the battery light come on when ignition key is off, car starts normally and then light goes out, trouble is you can't turn the engine off. I can take the key completely out and disconnect the battery, still the engine runs. If I pull the fuse the engine kills and everything is normal. I cannot see any function for this wire and fuse, all systems normal and everything works, except the power door locks. Could this be for the anti theft system?
terntes
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Hmmmm...will it start and run ok with that fuse out?
Does this wire come directly off of the battery terminal, or out of a rely/module back there?
I'll study the diagrams, and see if I can find something that would keep the engine running after the key is off, but...a pic of the wire/area would be good...
Does this wire come directly off of the battery terminal, or out of a rely/module back there?
I'll study the diagrams, and see if I can find something that would keep the engine running after the key is off, but...a pic of the wire/area would be good...
Joel Adams
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Lifetime MemberSHELBYVILLE, TN - USA
Joined: 7/5/2002
Posts: 3942
Vette(s): 1976 L48 auto
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
Sounds to me that this might be a "bubba" thing.... if the car still runs with the battery cable disconnected, then the alternator is powering the engine. Possible the battery cable was replaced with an aftermarket cable, they usually have an auxillary wire comming out of the crimp for "other stuff"(stereos, amps, etc..) . Just sounds like to me that the alternator is powering back to the battery cable clamp, and powering the car, untill you remove the fuse.... but, if you can trace the "hot wire" to where it goes, might be some help... ???
StingrayJim 
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Just for giggles, check the wire to your HEI. If the orange wire at the battery is still connected when you unhook the terminal it could be powering the HEI. If the wire is disconnected then there is a bubba loop in the wiring harness that bypasses the ignition switch.
Lifetime MemberApache Junction, AZ - USA
Joined: 10/15/2006
Posts: 285
Vette(s): 1982,150K,Renegade CFI,Hooker Side Pipes,85 fuel pump,Bilsteins,HD suspension, Aluminum radiator, SharkBar/w 5-Point Restraints. 3:73 gears coming soon.
What you seem to be discribing the ECM fuse/junction box which I believe is a 20amp. The fuse slot is known to get corroded from the battery acid fumes, causing a bad connection - and heat!. Clean out the slot the best you can and replace the fuse; also clean up the connectors running to the junction box. Ecklers and others sell replacement junction boxes.
Post results and good luck!
Post results and good luck!
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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