So I painted the engine block red, and I took off the coil and the alternator and removed the battery. I put everything back in, and now it won't start? When the car is off the brake lights are working. But when I put the key to ACC nothing electric is working, and when I try to start it I get a single click, I think from the starter motor.
I tried to jump it thinking that the battery was just dying, but that resulted in a huge spark from the negative battery terminal.

I guess it's possible I hooked the alternator up incorrectly, but I checked in the electric manual and i made notes when i disconnected it so i should be fine. Are there any tests I can do with a multimeter to isolate the problem?

I have the 200ci I6 with 3speed manual tranny. It started fine before

 

Your terminal sparked with the cables attached? Did the clamp move?

I had a similar problem I ended up having to replace my starter/solenoid/solenoid cable to rectify it, it wasn't hard or expensve (I spent maybe 70 on parts all together)

I'd start wirth the alternator and anything else you removed

 

the car is on strike for the red paint job....sorry

 

solenoid connection?

 

bah turns out it was the battery terminals. the screws on them were rusted so i wasnt getting a decent connection. guess it was too loose to handle the cranking amps...i guess that would explain the spark too.

replaced the cables and it started right up

pinboy122: hehe thats coming eventually...just needs some bodywork first lol