98 Regal starter wiring please help

[mattd551]

I replaced the starter on my 98 regal. After I was done I started it and it fired up and immediately the battery and abs lights came on on the dash. I had this problem before and it was due to me wiring the starter wrong. Can anyone explain the right wiring. One of the leads is has a tab that points down and fits the top and the other lead is flat. Am I putting these on correct? When I pulled it the second time and switched the leads the battery really sparked a lot as I was hooking it back up and it will not start. Obviously the first way was right but is it possible when I tightened down the wires I had them touching some way? Can anyone help me with this? I really appreciate the help! Matt

[HotZ28]

When I pulled it the second time and switched the leads the battery really sparked a lot as I was hooking it back up and it will not start.

Why would you be working on the starter cables with the battery terminals connected? You could have caused some other damage. Flat lead first, then tabbed lead.

[richtazz]

....and make sure they are routed so none of the exposed metal on the cable ends touches any metal parts under the hood like the exhaust manifold, starter body, etc...