Since we started talking about fuses I looked in the fuse box in the engine. I don't know if this is actually how it's suppose to be hooked up but there is a wire connecting where the possitive battery cable enters the fuse box to where the cable from the fuse box goes out(looks like to the alt). The wire was broken, twisted back up, capped it and the problem isn't working anymore. Again, i'm guessing it's a jimmy rig, for what I don't know but the check gauges light stays off and the car starts. Any idea what that wire might be for or what "they" were trying to fix/make up for?

 

Just looked where you said the alt fuse should be. Underneath the fuse box cover says that there should be the alt fuse there but there's no spot for an actual fuse(confusing) I"m guessing though that those wires are acting like the fuse and since the wires were broken it was acting like a burnt out fuse. Since I reconnected the wires it's acting like a working fuse. That's my take on things. Doesn't seem like it should be like that but it's working. Since it's not an actual fuse should those wires burn out or last, if you even know.

 

there might have been a change on how things were done. my is a 97. plus i have never seen that before. (which doesn't say much, since i am only a shade tree machanic). i not really sure what to tell ya on that one. if you have a buddy or know a auto electrician, you might want to have them check it out. you really don't want to burn your electrical out. don't know if this will help or not. but here is a pic of my fuse box in the engine.

 

hopefully that will give a good point of reference. the alt fuse doesn't plug in on mine. there are prongs that come out the side with holes for the screws to go thru and hold the fuse in place.

 

1. Ground to chassis,block, or starter. Don't look at them. Undo them, clean them, retighten them.

2. Battery terminals. Replace both.

3. Starter is going and shooting to ground.

If disconnecting the battery works, its a good possibility its one of these 3 things.

 

tomtram can you post a picture of your fuse box? I think there should be a 140 amp fuse there like the one in the other posters pic. those fuses can be purchased at any parts house and will keep yor wiring from melting down

 

Vladek, you were right. Needed a 140amp fuse that wasn't even there. Also needed a new alternator but wouldn't have even known about the fuse if you didn't say anything. Thanks man.

 

glad i could help.