So its not an rx7 specific question (just happened to be what it happened in), but applies to any car, there are only a certain number of things that can cause the positive battery cable (or any wires for that matter) to heat up; enough to melt the rubber battery terminal cover. Im just wondering what they are.

I was installing a stereo. And realized the battery when the car wouldnt start. (a sweet install aside from this)

My best guess is:

I spliced into the electric mirror wire for constant (ignition off) power to the memory lead of the stereo. I think what must have happened is the electerical tape must have slid causing the the constant power splice to rest on a ground. Is this a probable cause?

Are there any other causes for electrical heat?

Another kind of short perhaps?

Im not looking for a fix, Im just curious about how it generated that much heat.

Thanks!

 

If there was a short in the stereo wiring it defiantly would have blown a fuse and made no difference in the battery cable. If you put an amp in and had a direct battery connection it could be the cause, however heating in a battery cable most often means the cable is bad.

 

I had an issue before i changed my starter.. the positive cable got so hot from trying to start it one time it actually melted the lead terminal hooked to the cable.. needless to say i changed teh cable and starter after that..

 

Weird so in your case it was a bad starter that had caused the issue?

 

Would have to be a significant short for the battery cable to melt down. Are you running an amp for the stereo system? Also make sure the top of the battery clears the hood.

 

that happened to me once as soon as i plugged in an amp, nothing that a bigger battery terminal won't fix :P, it'll be alright.