I touched my car stereo with a power line and nothing is working now

LBRUCE12

MEMBER
2013 FORD FOCUS
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
173,000 MILES

Hi, I have the car listed above hatchback. The radio wasn't working so I removed the panel to be able to replace it.

When I opened the panel, I saw a thick red cable that felt too loose for me so I tried to pull it out to see if it's unplugged. By mistake the wire (had power) touched the radio screen witch made a spark and now the car won't start, at all.

I can't even unlock the car.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

If you follow the wire, where does it lead? Chances are you blew a fuse. Does anything electrical in the vehicle work? Does the starter engage when you try to start it? Have you checked the main fuses under the hood in the fuse / relay box? It's interesting that the wire was loose. If it had power, I'm surprised it didn't short sooner.

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know.

Joe

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Sunday, September 22nd, 2019 AT 8:10 PM

LBRUCE12

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi,

Thank you very much for your help. I tried to check where the wire goes and it's too hard to see between the requirements. I suppose it was connected to an aftermarket sub and the precedent owner didn't car much to leave it like that.

I tested every single fuse and relay and they are all fine.

Someone told me it may be a body control module or PCM that would have fried, does it make sense?

Thank you in advance.

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Sunday, September 22nd, 2019 AT 8:30 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Welcome back:

Lets hope that isn't the issue. Does anything electrical work on the car? When you try starting it, does the starter engage? Do the headlamps work?

As far as one of the modules, I really don't think that's it, but I have no idea where red wire is connected to determine what may have been damaged.

Joe

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Monday, September 23rd, 2019 AT 6:36 PM