[Asymmetric3]

Greetings gurus!

In a concerted effort to locate the source of an ongoing electrical issue, (starting with the least expensive)I have been methodically inspecting and replacing parts.

With a new battery in place, I have replaced both ground straps. Upon initial inspection, I felt like both straps looked healthy and were probably still good. Until I took a closer look at the lower chassis strap. I noticed a blackened notch that almost looks like arching damage! I looked at several photos of new and old versions and did not see that notch on any of them.

Is it possible that somehow there was an arch that weakened the strap?

Full disclosure: About two years ago, I was doing a VCG replacement and didn’t properly tuck away the negative battery cable. It dropped back down on the terminal while I was wrenching away under the hood. Inevitably, the wrench tapped the chassis with a POP! Needless to say I was

I went back to the trunk and noticed the negative cable sitting on the battery terminal. It turns out that arch fried the IBS which I had to replace in order to get the car started. I’m thinking the IBS wasn’t the only thing damaged.