Major handbrake/electrical problem

[Geoffd2]

Hi, I got a electrical problem, Went for a easy 4wd the other day, nothing big a few just above the wheel puddles no real rough stuff, now when I release the handbrake the engine stalls. I pulled the console out and disconnected the handbrake electrical switch and still does it. I touched the cable and it was red hot, I pulled the pin out of the handle and I got a spark between the handle and the cable, with them separated the car wont start, I don't even get dash lights. I checked the wiring that runs along side of the handbrake and nothing touching. The only thing I can see out of place underneath is the stud from the transfer was rubbing on the cable housing, but cant see any bare wiring down there. Is there any wiring in the brake drum? Any suggestions would be great
regards,


Geoff

[bee utey]

Electrical 101: check the major earth cables between the battery, the body and the engine. There will be a dirty or loose connection somewhere along this line. You can add extra earth cables between these points if you can't get at the originals. Your hand brake cable has simply been acting as a substitute earth path.

[Graeme]

Above X2.

The earth cable runs to the engine and has an earth tab to the body not far from the battery end so either the engine end or the body tab is loose or broken.

[Geoffd2]

Found it, Thanks very much for that. Bad earth between body and battery.

[Jazzman]

That right there is brilliant diagnosis! The reason why I paid my subscription.