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2004 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan Auto

2004 Kia Optima
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 4dr Sedan, Compact
22 mpg city / 30 mpg hwy
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July 14, 2012, 9:11 am

Shae S
 

Question: Electrical Problem?

My car hesitated to crank. After being jumped off, it crunk. I took it to Advanced Auto Parts and they tested the battery, it was good; the alternator, i think was 12.3; and they said they couldn't test the starter. Later the car started no problem. Days later the same problem. This time I saw smoke coming from under the hood. There is a small ground wire coming from the battery, its burning and melted, wires exposed. There are 2 other cables, i can't tell what they are connected to, maybe the motor, i don't know, but they are burning and melted, metal exposed as well. Please help, I need to know what's going on so I can have my car fixed.


July 25, 2012, 9:14 pm

Richard W
Expert Mechanic

Sounds like the battry positive burned. You will need to replace it and the wire that goes to the S terminal.


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