Have We Made A Massive Mistake?

[deenmark14]

Hi we purchased a voyager 2006 6 weeks ago and its been fantastic.... up until a week ago when we lost.power after all the warning lights started to come and the car only just managing to get us home. The garage we purchased from suggested we get a new battery which we did but when we put it on it sparked really bad and a wire at the bottom of the engine caught fire. We had the car towed to a chrysler dealer who said its a faulty earth wire and the car needs a new wiring loom. 2740 quid. Then we are being told they have no idea when this part will be available in the uk. They seem to have no clue when the part will be available and told us to expect to be without the car.for at least a month. Any advise or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks :-(

[crispinchurch]

did you get a warranty with the car claim off that

or go back wear you brought and see if they would do anything  

 if it was a earth that went try just changing that one wire if it didnt melt any others

Edited December 15, 2014 by crispinchurch

[deenmark14]

Thank for replying it is currently sat in a chrysler garage who have no clue when the part will even be in the country. I do know if it damaged other wires. Seems you wait a very long time for chrysler parts.

[Sivasoruban]

I had a similar problem on a golf GTI about 15 years ago.  I repaired the loom.  Having said that, the loom on cars now a days are more complex.  

 

Basically If you can locate the  wire that caught fire,  then you need to isolate it.   If it is already damaged, there is no harm cutting it.  Do the same for all other damaged wire.

 

To be on the safe side,  pull out the fuse for Audio, Satnav and Autobox  and fuel pump (if it is electrical) . This will prevent damage.   Get hold of a fuse holder with  25amp  fuse and connect croc clips on either side.  Connect the positive terminal of the battery to the positive cable via the fuse to  the battery using croc clips and look for the wire becoming warm or  signs of smoke.

 

 If there is a short the fuse will blow. The most common problem is that the wire has become frayed and it is making contact with the body at some point. This what I found on the Golf. You can bet that this is occurring before the wire reaches the fuse box. Unfortunately this requires patience and checking the full connection and looms.  If you have a tow bar, check the electrics and connections also.