I went through tech inspection at autocross yesterday, and the inspector made a comment about not having a fuse. He later said that something he saw here (near the positive terminal) was a fire hazard. I know nothing about wiring, so I'm afraid that what he said went over my head. However I do know that the guy I bought the car from did a home install of an aftermarket head unit, speakers, and amp and absolutely botched the wiring. The right side speakers don't even get power some days, and he had wiring hanging down above the gas peddle, which I have since neatly tucked with some electrical tape.

Can you guys explain where the fire hazard exists, and what exactly I need to do to fix it? Thanks.

 

Replace the power cable that goes to the stereo with a 4 gauge wire that has a fuse
It looks like this





http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/...psfc4abac2.jpg

 

The fire hazard is the large gauge yellow wire coming out of the positive terminal. The general rule of thumb is to install an inline fuse within 18 inches, or as close as possible, to the battery.

Also hard to tell from the photo, but it almost appears a few strands are loose and free floating in the yellow wire.

 

Thanks guys. I am not sure if there are multiple strands in the yellow wire. It is sealed up near the terminal.

Would the installation of an inline fuse be easy, or would it be better left to the pros since I'm completely ignorant of all things wiring?

 

You can totally manage the installation of an inline fuse. You will need to cut the yellow power cable within 18 inches of the battery (as 99SH pointed out) and just install it between the two cut ends. A fuse holder can be picked up at your local stereo shop, big box electronic store (like Best Buy or Fry's) or even online.

 

Awesome. Thanks so much for your help!