Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: 94 Buick Century electrical fire 3.1 v6, radiator support, buick century

Question
Gauges went crazy, car died, smoke pouring from the hood. Couldn't open any doors. Passed key out window crack to passerby who was able to open passenger side door only. Ground wire had fried from where it bolts to body and down ~18in. Same thing on other side where it attaches near radiator. Replaced wire where insul had cooked. Tried to jump, cables got instantly really hot(#6 ga. cables). Any advice? Tanks, Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,
The battery ground cable should connect directly to the engine block. Clean and tight.
Those smaller wires to the fenders or radiator support are not heavy enough.
I would check the positive cable real well. It may have rubbed through the insulation on an edge of the fender or battery box, and is shorting out. The lighter duty ground wires from the body are trying to carry all the power.

Sounds like you have a good battery, though.

There isn't a manual door lock button, in addition to the electric one?

Glad you were able to get some help. Scary!!

Van