Quick question about battery cables.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Laramie, WY
Quick question about battery cables.
So on my seemingly never ending quest of turning this pickup into a reliable vehicle one thing will get fixed and three more issues will pop up.
I replaced my positive battery cable about 2 months ago. Well my sister couldn't get the pickup started the other day. She has it because she killed her's and my mom's this weekend and needed something to get back to school with. Anyway, I had an issue last week where it seemed like the battery was low, but a simple wiggling of the positive cable would get it started just fine. Well she claimed the alternator was dead and all this other nonsense that I know wasn't true. After all, if the alternator wasn't working then no amount of wiggling the cable would get it to start. She ended up having someone replace that positive cable, apparently there was a several inches long split in the insulation.
Any idea what causes the insulation on a new cable to split? I've tried google searches with no luck. Heat? I wouldn't think two months of occasional use would be enough to weaken the casing.
I replaced my positive battery cable about 2 months ago. Well my sister couldn't get the pickup started the other day. She has it because she killed her's and my mom's this weekend and needed something to get back to school with. Anyway, I had an issue last week where it seemed like the battery was low, but a simple wiggling of the positive cable would get it started just fine. Well she claimed the alternator was dead and all this other nonsense that I know wasn't true. After all, if the alternator wasn't working then no amount of wiggling the cable would get it to start. She ended up having someone replace that positive cable, apparently there was a several inches long split in the insulation.
Any idea what causes the insulation on a new cable to split? I've tried google searches with no luck. Heat? I wouldn't think two months of occasional use would be enough to weaken the casing.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 47
From: Mexico, Missouri
Just a thought...
Perhaps just inferior molded casing...If it's manufactured in China, I would guess Most likely. I have gotten those cheap alligator clips from Wal-mart, with wire attatched and the rubber will break in cold weather..never seen that in the past. I always get my electrical system wiring from Carquest here. I picked up 1awg Postive cable for my 3g alternator upgrade for I think $35. Not cheap, but in cold weather it was still pliable. Has been on there for @ least 2 maybe 3 years. I would look to see where the cable was manufactured that went bad on you and then check around @ some different places in the future for locally made wiring....I.e. Canada, US.
In any case, I would check with the store you bought from to ask for a refund.
Perhaps just inferior molded casing...If it's manufactured in China, I would guess Most likely. I have gotten those cheap alligator clips from Wal-mart, with wire attatched and the rubber will break in cold weather..never seen that in the past. I always get my electrical system wiring from Carquest here. I picked up 1awg Postive cable for my 3g alternator upgrade for I think $35. Not cheap, but in cold weather it was still pliable. Has been on there for @ least 2 maybe 3 years. I would look to see where the cable was manufactured that went bad on you and then check around @ some different places in the future for locally made wiring....I.e. Canada, US.
In any case, I would check with the store you bought from to ask for a refund.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 979
Likes: 40
From: Colorado Springs CO
If you go up to your '92 then, yes, it's a whole different ball game...
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,690
Likes: 6
Had that happen to mine. The green oxide begins where the lead terminal is and then starts creeping down into the cable and the cable housing starts bulging out. I was able to tell it was my cable (after replacing the alternator and that clip on the starter) by bypassing it with a jumper cable.
I just cut the bulging corroded end off and attached a new piece of cable with an end on it.
It's just corrosion . . . that's all.
I just cut the bulging corroded end off and attached a new piece of cable with an end on it.
It's just corrosion . . . that's all.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Laramie, WY
Well there was not noticeable corrosion, it was a clear cased wire from Advanced Auto and I didn't seen any. I'd take it back but I'm sure my sister probably threw it away.
I have no idea what she replaced it with but I'll know something is going on if it doesn't last long either.
I have no idea what she replaced it with but I'll know something is going on if it doesn't last long either.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 64
From: Billings, MT
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kevin206
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Oct 27, 2014 09:32 PM
MuddyWaters
Excursion - King of SUVs
4
Aug 2, 2010 11:34 AM
NavyMIDN08
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
29
Jan 5, 2010 10:06 PM
totalrecall
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
3
Feb 9, 2009 05:30 PM
FordGirlie
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
Mar 9, 2006 08:39 PM
