Burned wires under the dash, now dead as a door nail...

[75alive]

what should i try next?

I've had my spider about a wk, its a `75, has been in the family and was semi-restored approx 15 yrs ago but has gone back into neglect.

Was driving home when a loud "pop" and white smoke from under the driver's dash (fuse area) and from the relays under the hood. LOTS of smoke! Toasted a pink wiring coming out of the 9/10 position on the fuse box and having a secondary fuse within it. I've replaced all the fuses and the section of burned wiring, but it is still dead. No click, no trying to turn over, nothing. I've also lost head lights, but tail lights, dash lights, clock, etc still work...

any suggestions?

[majicwrench]

Easy answer. Ship it to The Magic Wrench @ 36304 Hwy 2 S in Libby MT. I'll fix it up just like the Fiat Gods had it originally. No extra relays ( sorry private joke)

In truth, what a horrible smell, and story that is. Get a test light and a good wiring diagram. Test power going into ign switch, and coming out. What shorted??

[75alive]

I will test the ign switch tomorrow, I've gotten everything back but the starter and the drivers headlight. I think what happened is someone had a 16a fuse in an 8a socket, and BOOM, the rest is history...

Do I need to be concerned about the underhoodb relays?

[majicwrench]

What you need to be concerned about is what shorted. A 16amp fuse is probably not causing your problems, that is not enough amperage to smoke a wire.

[75alive]

How do I determine what shorted? By the fuse, wire, by what's not working? Hopefully I will get to check the wiring to the ignition switch, starter/selonoid today...

[rlux4]

You should be able to find the wire that was damaged the most. Because so many wires close to each other some others may show signs of heat, but one should be fried. The insulation will be completely burnt off and the wire will be almost or totally burned through. If it's in a bundle that's taped together it'll be harder to find until you take off the tape wrapping.
Ron

[75alive]

The pink wire coming from the "i" position was cooked but it only looked like a few inches under the dash. When I seperated it out, it liked OK after that. Looks like it goes to the fuel pump and ignition module relays as well as to the thermostat switch. Cab that whole section be toasted without being visibly damaged?

[rlux4]

Not toasted, no. The smoke and burning smell come from the wire sheathing, which is plastic and would show plainly if a short had caused excessive heat. The insulation goes a lot quicker than the wire inside of it, because it's not a conductor like the wire is.
Ron

[75alive]

So I've replaced all the fuses and the only section of wiring that is actually physically burnt. Did not get to check the ignition, starter, or relays today.

[75alive]

OK, ohm tested the fuse box. Starter checked out, ignition switch send to be faulty as I an not getting any fuel pump tick or activity to the dash when I turn the key. Only thing is... How do I get the ignition switch out?!?!? Holy crap that thing is tough!

[RRoller123]

Here is a manual page regarding how to get the switch out. I haven't done it myself though.

[majicwrench]

IS any pwer getting to ign switch?? Don't yank it just yet. An ohm meter is probably not the right tool for the job. A good ole fashioned test light properly used would do you wonders.
Keith

[75alive]

I put a volt tester to the input side if the switch and it is hot. Nothing is getting hot past the switch. Thanks for the diagram, I messed with that thing for an hour today...

[124JOE]

ive read on here you can rebuild the ING switch

[rrrrob]

I don't know if this will help or is beyond what you need, but I found this a couple of weeks ago and when I read this post I thought it might help. If not maybe it will help someone else.

http://www.kendickson.com/car/switch/index.html