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1995 Ford Escort won't start, smoking at pos batt terminal when key is turned
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98Redbird
Novice
Dec 23, 2010, 4:12 PM
Post #1 of 5
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1995 Ford Escort won't start, smoking at pos batt terminal when key is turned
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I've got a 1995 Ford Escort that has about 110K miles on it. Went out to start it yesterday and the battery acted like it was dead, no lights on in the interior, nothing when I turn the key. I hooked a battery charger up to it for about an hour and let it charge. Went back out, lights are all on inside the car, acts like the battery is fully charged. Went to start the car and it clicked once (like maybe the relay was closing) and then nothing except smoke from the wire leading from the positive battery terminal. I was thinking it was maybe a starter but am not sure.
Thanks for the help!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 23, 2010, 4:46 PM
Post #2 of 5
(2309 views)
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Re: 1995 Ford Escort won't start, smoking at pos batt terminal when key is turned
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Top post battery terminals may have had it. What I'm guessing is the draw of the starter has so little contact it get hot right at the weak spot and would do just what you described. Best repair is whole quality new cables - both. Cable ends can work for a quick fix if needed but the real good ones cost as much as new cables. Should be known clean and good contacts at both ends.
Not likely but possible the battery has problems but if you see the cable in trouble that's probably it,
T
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98Redbird
Novice
Dec 23, 2010, 8:18 PM
Post #3 of 5
(2302 views)
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Re: 1995 Ford Escort won't start, smoking at pos batt terminal when key is turned
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Thanks for the post!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 24, 2010, 3:26 AM
Post #4 of 5
(2293 views)
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Re: 1995 Ford Escort won't start, smoking at pos batt terminal when key is turned
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Need to add to that: This era of Escort/Tracer was (I think) mostly Mazda. The positive battery terminal has a lot going on there and some other wires. Use of lead had already ended and the metal used from then and on is inferior IMO. Needs (many cars) attention and to be cleaned and greased or they hopelessly rot more than ions ago. Hard to fake that stuff.
Long retired now but back when had a routine with customers/friends to go thru all the crap like that underhood and grease things up so actually never replace the whole things. Amazing how much grief can be prevented with WD-40 and grease on all the dumb things that can leave you walking. Hood latch and cable, hinges everywhere, locks and they just never went bad. Plenty needs work without easily preventable stuff. Not saying it's your fault as it happens all over vehicles more in the rust belt areas where I am included.
Good luck with it and hope it's a cooperative fix. I believe pos cable goes directly to solenoid on starter on this and if that snaps off the bolt there it's troubles you don't want. If doing this yourself always remember to take neg cable off first (then car is dead to work with) and on last. Cheap available is a "memory" saver you just put in a power port or cig lighter and the car won't forget the radio, clock and a ton of things in some especially vehicles newer than this,
T
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98Redbird
Novice
Dec 24, 2010, 8:46 AM
Post #5 of 5
(2283 views)
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Re: 1995 Ford Escort won't start, smoking at pos batt terminal when key is turned
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Thank you, you've been helpful. We are actually located in central IL and bought the car used as a beater winter car last year with 90K miles on it. It's definitely seen it's share of winters.
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