95 Explorer electrical issues

Ok I hope someone can help because I'm at a loss. I have a 95 Explorer that's been peachy until last night. My room mate was driving it when it started smoking and died. There are two wires coming from the AC compressor heading to what appears to be some sort of solenoid bolted to the vehicle on the drivers side just behind the battery. These wires are completely melted. The insulation is melted off of them about 4 inches back starting from the solenoid. I haven't been able to determine how much further the damage goes. There is now no power whatsoever (no interior lights, no nothing). The battery is not even trying to hold a charge. Not that I thought it would. I am not completely car stupid but by no means do I know exactly what I'm doing. If anyone has ANY suggestions or advice, PLEASE reply. I do not want to be stranded at my room mate's parents' house forever.

Miss Mary J

Maybe your compressor seized up causing the wire to overheat and burn and short out. If you can disconnect both wires at the source making sure they don't short anywhere. Then look for a burnt fuse. If you have no interior lights there should be a burnt fuse either under the hood in the fuse box usually on the drivers side or the interior fuse box either on the side of the dashboard when you open the door or under the dashboard around the steering column.

When you find the fuse/fuses replace and see if it pops again. If not it might be a temporary fix, your AC might not work, but you might be able to make it back home.

Thank you for your input. The AC compressor seems to be the general thought of everyone I have talked to about this. And I'm not worried about the AC not working. It hasn't in years. I'm just trying to get this stupid thing drivable again.

Miss Mary J

I don't believe a compressor seizing would cause the wires to burn, but if there is a short in the compressor clutch field coil, certainly that could cause the wires to burn. Unfortunately, that would indicate there is a mismatched fuse somewhere since the fuse should have blown before the wiring melted (wiring should be derated to handle slightly more current than the circuit is rated for).

I suspect that the "solenoid" you refer to is actually a relay. Relays are just about always socketed. If you pull the relay, replace the blown fuse or fuses, and charge the battery, you can probably get back home. You'll later want to determine the cause of the wirning melting and get it repaired.

-Rod

I don't believe a compressor seizing would cause the wires to burn, but if there is a short in the compressor clutch field coil, certainly that could cause the wires to burn.

Yeah, I was going to write back yesterday and didn't get the chance. It struck me later on that a seived compressor would probably not short out the wiring....It would just just bog down the vehicle....sorry, somewhat of a brain fart there.