4.6L (1996-2004 Modular) Mustang Technical discussions on 1996-2004 4.6 Liter Modular Motors (2V and 4V) within.

Electrical problems

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Old Aug 1, 2009 | 08:41 PM
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Default Electrical problems

So my GT is torn apart, I decided to hook the battery up, all of the electrical connection under the car and in the engine bay were disconnected and I wrapped the connectors with electrical tape to keep dirt and moisture out of them while the car sat. When I hooked the ground cable up it arc'd, I left the positive cable connected and hooked a test light from the ground cable to the negative terminal on the battery. The test light lit up, what would cause this to happen and where should I look first to get this fixed.
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 08:45 PM
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Maybe Im reading this wrong, but it doesnt sound like there is a problem. Theres still things hooked up inside the car that can cause the battery to arc, and hooking the test light in series with the ground is just completing the circuit.. Right?
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 08:54 PM
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I am used to older cars 30's to 70's and the battery has never arc'd before when I have connected them. Everything in the car is still hooked up. I think something might be shorted out causing this to happen.
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 09:11 PM
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I think you might be acting a bit paranoid man. Just leave the car alone until you got it all back together then go from there
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 09:25 PM
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i might be paranoid but if there is a problem I would rather fix it while I can still get at everything easily rather than fight with the wiring later. I am swapping npi 16v to a 32v mach heads with a cobra supercharger.
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 10:28 PM
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There are alot of things on your car that keep a constant charge to them..Thats why it arc'd..Its normal...Speaking of the constant hots your fuse box under the hood just about everything inside there stays charged..But not to the point of killing your battery over night.
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 10:33 PM
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Originally Posted by jeff37110
There are alot of things on your car that keep a constant charge to them..Thats why it arc'd..Its normal...Speaking of the constant hots your fuse box under the hood just about everything inside there stays charged..But not to the point of killing your battery over night.

Exactly, Like I said dont sweat it.
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 10:43 PM
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+1 on that..
Old Aug 2, 2009 | 05:51 PM
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thanks. I am anxiously awaiting to get my parts so I can finish my build and go on to body work.
Old Aug 3, 2009 | 10:02 AM
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Absolutely, as said above, no worries, there will always be something still connected to draw enough to arc. Thats of course unless you disconnect the positive side too haha. Your fine man, good luck on the build!
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