Help with RTV900 wiring issue

[kar5555]

While trying to install an on/off switch for the stereo on my RTV 900, I must have connected a ground wire to a hot wire. It started smoking so I grabbed the wires and disconnected within seconds.

Now it will not respond to the key switch - I turn the key and nothing lights up and nothing works (like horn and lights). Using a simple light probe, I was able to determine I have power to the key switch and power to the fuse box, which makes me think its not a hidden in line fuse.

A freind suggested I have lost ground somewhere. Any ideas on what to check next would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Daren Todd]

Re: Help!

Check for a slow blow fuse on or near the positive cable

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Re: Help!

Start checking every wire, look for burnt wires or connections.
That's one of the worst things you can do to the wiring, as it sounds like there was no fuse in the positive line you were using to protect it.

 

[nzzshl]

Re: Help!

Fusible link wire is always red. It may not be visually obvious, but look for a "twisted" or "wrinkled" appearance. If you find a segment that looks like that it will likely be the wire that has gone open circuit, protecting the rest of the the wiring system. Auto parts store offer replacement fusible link wire of the same gage (current protection level). The insulation on most fusible link wire is very soft, almost rubbery to the touch. Good luck with it!

 

[kar5555]

Re: Help!

The RTV 900 has a seperate fuse box next to fuse panel with 2 slow blow fuses. I checked them both and they are powered. Also, I have power at the key switch, which makes me think it is ground wire problem.

Letting it warm up outside and then will go up to shed and start following wires looking for signs of damage.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Re: Help!

The RTV 900 has a seperate fuse box next to fuse panel with 2 slow blow fuses. I checked them both and they are powered. Also, I have power at the key switch, which makes me think it is ground wire problem.

Letting it warm up outside and then will go up to shed and start following wires looking for signs of damage.

Yes your probably right that the main fusible link is still intact because the whole system would not have positive power if that was blown.

Follow grounds back down the wiring loom as they most normally will go to 1 or 2 points to ground.
While it may seam unlikely also check the main battery connections.

 

[kar5555]

Went up to shed and turned key just to see what would happen and much to my surprise, dash lights came on (something that did not happen after incident). I charged the battery and it started right up!!!

I tried charging battery yesterday and like I said I had power in several locations. So, what the hell happened overnight? Oh well, I guess I should just be happy I am not replacing wiring harness.

 

[Jim L.]

It could be that shorting the battery messed up its chemistry for awhile.

Once it got back to more normal then you got power.