My car won't start and has no electrical parts working so I checked my fuses. Ends up the 120A main fuse was out, so I went out to but another one. Disconnect the battery, put the fuse in, try to plug battery(+ first then -) in but it sparks when I put the - in last, so I didn't go any further. Right now battery is disconnected. Any ideas?

 

how bad dose it spark?? cuz if its jsut a little thats normal but if it starts to smoke then take it right back off.. and i always though you put the negative on first so the body is grounded so if you hit a conector with a wrench you dont get shocked.. but what happend to make the fuse blow??? that is the main question

 

It sparks enough to make you not want to connect anything. I think I saw some smoke. I think the circuit is short.

 

Do you have a DVOM?(digital volts and ohms meter) if so, to check that it is infact shorted to ground check with a continuity check from the positive cable to a groung point on the car(with the positive cable still disconnected) If it has continuity then it is shorted to ground. start there and we can help from there.

 

I have the meter. Can you clearify a little on how to hook up the meter? I'm not too good with electrical. I'll try that first thing in the morning. In the mean time any other suggestions?

 

Ok nvm I know how to hook up. I'll do it first thing when I get up. Please if any other suggestions just let me know.

 

If the meter shows a short to ground, you can start pulling fuses and relays one at a time until the short goes away. Once you find the fuse or relay it will narrow down which system is at fault.

 

Check the wiring diagram first, there can't be many causes for the main fuse to blow. Normally a smaller fuse should blow first.

 

None of the smaller fuses blew. When I did the continuity check it read 0.1.

 

Now I checked the continuity again and its reading approx .7 M ohm

 

a short that can blow up the 120 AMP fuse, could be a short really close to the postive cable, such as the alternator, check to make sure wire going under the grey cover on the alternator has a plastic washer. Check wires going to starter. good luck!

 

The wires going to the starter was oily, but I cleaned that up. The wire under the grey cover did not have a plastic washer and I never messed with that.

 

Ok just tested the alternator and nothing is wrong with it, so it has to be something else.