Seeing Sparks Should i be Worried

[leeroy brown]

At the carwash last night removing the mud from the weekends bush run i noticed some smoke or more steam i think coming from under the bonnet along the passenger side of the truck.

Initially i thought water had just hit the hot exhaust but after a reading the thread about the dead engine from lack of oil i thought it was a good chance to check the oil anyway.

When i lifted the bonnet i noticed there were sparks and steam/ smoke coming from the bolt next to the battery.

This when on for a minute or so before stopping, when it appeared to have dried out.

Is this simply caused by water on the battery or by a short in wiring around this area?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated

cheers,

[davidd]

well if everything still works i guess you're o.k. it appears you got a squirt of water under the bonnet onto the battery or some wiring, which has caused something to short out. water and electricity just don't mix mate. considering the value of your vehicle, i would suggest 50 or 60 bucks at an auto electrician to have vehicle checked would be a wise move. there are a whole bunch of wires and wiring harnesses in that vicinity and you may have damaged some insulation if not the wiring. cheers.

[Nemesis]

plain water and electrics are ok, this wont usually cause arcing - you have a problem for sure, please visit an auto sparky or the dealer and get this fixed asap. electrical fires are something you wont want to have, and now as you have identified a fault you will need to fix it or your insurance my not pay out if it indeed does cause a fire.

[Macca2801]

I agree with both above and as a quick check...see if the positive leads are not chaffing under them, between the battery clamp and the red positive leads.

I moved mine for that reason, wouldnt take much to rub through and its a dead short to earth (ie welding!!)

Matt.

[leeroy brown]

Thanks Davidd, Nemesis and Macca.

I will do some investigating this weekend and see what i can find.

Cheers

[Macca2801]

Find anything LB?
Matt.

[leeroy brown]

Hey matt

Have not had a chance yet. been away on work, going to have a look tonight a will update tomorrow.