Spraks Flyings when trying to connect the negative to the battery

[najjamoon]

Hi There!

 

I'm new to working on cars and new to the Reatta, so bare with me.

 

The car turned off magically last week. Charged the battery and was back on the road the next day for a few hours before it died again. Looked under the hood and the alternator was smoking. I have replaced the alternator and swapped out the battery for a new one as well. 

 

I was reconnecting the battery, but I am hesitant to do so because sparks (A lot of them) are coming off. To the point where it has slightly melted the terminal.

 

Any ideas as to why? Everything is off on the car, so I don't know what could be drawing power....

[AZ Ron]

Something is hooked up wrong.  Ask someone with mechanical knowledge to stop by and take a look at it.

This is a fire hazard and could possibly fry your electronics.

Good luck!

[rogold]

Sounds like your battery cables are on the wrong terminal, should have red cable on "+" and black on "-". They may have sold you a battery with the positive and negative terminals reversed. Unfortunately it could have fried your new alternator. Also, make sure the big wire on the back of the alternator is snugly on the post and not touching anything else.