wouldn’t start or do anything completely dead?

2006 CHRYSLER PACIFICA
171,000 MILES • 3.5L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MANGORUMMIKE
I’ve been having electrical issues for sometime now. My engine will just rev up if I turn on my headlights or my AC well today, I was on the way home and my battery light came on. I went home and parked the car and went inside and when I came out to leave again, the car wouldn’t start or do anything. It was completely dead. I found some damaged wires coming from the alternator, but they’re not going to the battery, but they are skinned wires coming from the alternator. I tried to jump the vehicle and the alternator power wire got really hot started smoking.
Jul 14, 2025 at 6:59 PM
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BENNETTLYLE
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Classic short circuit from those bare wires. Don't mess with it get a proper auto electrician to sort that wiring.
Jul 15, 2025 at 12:09 AM
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AL514
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 5,541 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello, with wires missing their insulation and they are probably touching either the engine block or body, causing a short to ground, in which case you will now have blown fuses to begin with, do not try to jump start anything at this point, there is a potential to damage the engine control module (ECM/PCM) or other modules. All the damaged wiring needs to be replaced/repaired, a dealership will most likely only replace the entire wiring harness for the engine compartment. You will most likely find blown fuses in the engine compartment fuse panel as well as the dash fuse panel. But if you are not experienced with wiring repair and automotive wiring harnesses, I would suggest you get the vehicle towed to a shop and let them go over all the wiring and charging system. Its not worth having to possibly replace a bunch of very expensive control modules.
Jul 15, 2025 at 10:06 AM
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