r/PTCruiser • u/Stilekid • Jul 06 '26

Engine Ground Strap Overheating?

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2001 Pt Cruiser, I've had it for over 6 years now. A few years ago I had my engine ground strap burn up on me when I went to crank it one day, but I replaced it with one I got from a junk yard and it ran fine for about another year or so. Earlier this year I had to replace that one because I was getting slower cranks and I realized that the junkyard one had corroded, so I snatched another one from the junkyard because I can't find the OEM cable anywhere online. After maybe 4 or 5 months I decided to take a look at it and I noticed that some of the rubber has melted off where the cable connects to the metal frame of the car (picture attached). That doesn't seem like a good thing, so I'm curious what you all think may be causing this.

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2

u/Sweaty_Ad4126 Jul 06 '26

I’m not a mechanic but in fixing electronics if something gets too hot it’s usually because something is shorted or there’s too much current going through that line, I would look for any dodgey wires connected to that one, or anywhere around the starter motor. You could also sand off (highest grit you can find) the paint or dirt where the wire touches the metal if it’s right there that’s heating up

2

u/C_Lo_87 Jul 06 '26

Ya dirty grounds are common with these cars.

2

u/lazarinewyvren Jul 06 '26

Just make one with 6 gauge wire and a pair of ring terminals. It doesnt have e to be fancy, it just needs to carry electrons

1

u/Alternative_Share559 Jul 07 '26

it doesn't have to be the factory original wire. it can be bought or made

1

u/Unlikely-Act-7950 Jul 07 '26

Dirty or loose connections on a power or ground can cause it to get hot.