Jackie L

I pulled on the yellow wire which may be the fusible link. The wire did not pull loose at the starter end. However, the connector to the starter was very corroded and rusted.

Just found this chewed wires going to the light on the hood.

Still trying to locate the fusible link. I did not know the starter circuit serviced other parts of the car. Despite finding the mouse nest, I have not found any evidence of chewed wires or melted wires so far. This connector has a partial bare wire. Connects to a sensor on the engine block.

I just removed the starter to get it tested. With the starter off I hooked up the jump starter to see if I could get dash lights with the key on accessory. It drained the jump starter dead the instant bi turned the key. No dash lights.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I have looked underneath and above for chewed wires but haven't found any yet. Found a mouse nest underneath the plenum cover. Car is parked outside in the driveway. Thanks for that FSM link. I ended up ordering a set from eBay with a third supplement volume this morning for $35. What does that fusible link look like? I took this pic underneath near the starter would that be it? And the mouse nest underneath the plenum cover. I cleaned the connections on all the fuses today.

I went out to start my 94 Roadmaster Wagon this morning. Had not been started for a year. Started and ran fine then. I hooked up a fully charged battery. Took 9 tries turning the key before it started to fire. Ran for 1 second. Did this twice. Then the battery went dead. Hooked up a jump starter. It tries to fire up one time then after 4-5 turns of the key, the fully charged jump starter went dead. Walked around to the engine bay and smelled a heavy electrical burning smell. There was smoke coming from what appeared to be underneath the middle of the engine. After the electrical burning smell, the dash lights and door chime would not work when the key was turned to accessory. I unhooked the battery and cleaned the battery cable ends. Hooked up the positive cable. Then when I went to hook up the negative cable to the negative battery post, sparks flew and it made a little welded like spot on the battery post. It's like the poles are reversed on the battery but the connections are correct. Now I'm charging the battery back up and the jump starter. I'm at a loss. This was my always dependable backup vehicle and now when I need it, it won't start. I really need this Roadmaster running. Got a hopeless feeling. May have to get it towed to a shop. I can do some repairs but electrical problems put me in a really big pickle. Thanks, JackieL