help!!! wiring disaster under dash--meltdown

[drisin80]

just when i thought that it couldn't be worse than the b pillar snapping on the 90 c4 cab--- it did. after not driving the car for 3 weeks, decided to charge the battery. disconnected and did so. this morning when i reconnected it-- with the key out, and nothing running, ( it seemed to be pulling current however), i look up over the hood through the windshield, and see smoke pouring from the dash thorough the vents. disconnected the battery, and made sure there was no fire started. it is not around the fuse block--but seems to be under the dash somewhere. has anybody out there had a similar experience---or would anyone know how to proceed with this???? i have done a fair amount of mechanical stuff on this car, but electrical problems may be out of my league. just trying to get an idea of what may have gone wrong, and where to go from here. any input would be appreciated. thanks----tom

[AFJuvat]

Oh hell.....

Unfortunately, this can range anywhere from "frightening but minor" to "oh my god"

Start with the basics. Look at ALL of your fuses. That will give you an idea of where to start looking. Also, pull your relays one by one - look for heat discoloration on the tabs of the relays and a burned smell.

With the battery disconnected (obviously) pull your instruments and radio. That gives you a small window to start looking for damage. Pull the interior lights as well - look for burned wiring (interior light\clock circuit has done this on a few cars I've fixed)

You are going to have to spend some serious time with this problem.

AFJ

[ChinSCoupe]

I suggest you cross post on rennlist.com
There is a very strong 964 membership there.

If smoke was coming thru the vents, you may want to look at the HVAC system and maybe even the blower motor on the engine


Colin