Smokin 1993 Cobra

[kself]

Looking for clues as to what would cause my Cobra to catch on fire. The short version of what happened - I was shifting from second to third gear and hear a loud pop and lost power. Pulled the car over and there was fire coming from the emergency brake handle area, smoke pouring from the engine compartment near the battery, and then the big fire started in the dash. Main damage is between the steering column and the radio. Never any fire in the engine compartment. Totally burned out the dash on the drivers side and did plenty of other damage also. But, curious if anyone has ever heard of this happening before or has any ideas as to what may have caused this to happen. A few details; no nitrous, big stereos, etc., but have just completed pulling the engine and freshening things up a bit. No electrical work was performed, but many things were unplugged several times.

Thanks.

 

[GTOreturns]

Can I buy your seats? What kind of battery did you have?

 

[iwashmycar]

There was a lady on here who had an optima start the whole engine bay on fire, but if it would get inside i dunno. I wonder if it could at all be connected with that 2-3 shift but could just be coincidence

 

[kself]

I also have/had an Optima Blue Top in my car. That gives me something to check into. Thanks.

 

[kself]

I was running an Optima Blue Top. Not sure of damage to seats yet. I know some of the head liner melted and dripped down on drivers seat. Not selling any thing until I have an estimate and decide how to proceed with insurance. Thanks.

 

[iwashmycar]

did one of the cells of that battery "dissappear"? like it burnt up first??....could just be faulty wiring seeing how old these cars are.

Just make sure when dealing with insurace that you make them give you whats fair!! A 93 cobra can be worth some loot

 

[BRYAN ROGERS]

I'm very sorry to hear about the fire.

That must've been very scary.

Sounds like there was a problem with the ignition switch.

I do believe there was a recall or fix for the ignition switches at one point.

You may have a valid case with Ford as long as there was no aftermarket alarm/stereo/ or "extra" wiring going on in the harness.

You might try ***********.com( I 'm pretty sure they follow recalls) or google recalls for 93 mustangs.

 

[kself]

I don't know about the battery yet. I just had the car hauled to my uncles and went on up to the rod run in Pigeon Forge, TN. It looked fine, but I'll have to check it further. One of my friends says he has heard of the 87-93 Foxes having an issue with the factory wiring harness and catching fire. And, yes, it is getting up there in age a little. I am afraid the insurance thing will not work out to my benefit, but we'll find out this week. I obviously have more in the car than book value for a 93 GT/Cobra. Oh well, it will be ready for the track or show circuit the next time it hits the street.

 

[iwashmycar]

is it a real cobra? or a "canadian cobra"? All you'd have to do is demand what they sell for in similar condition, and if its a cobra thats a lot....if not...its close to nothing lol

 

[kself]

is it a real cobra? or a "canadian cobra"? All you'd have to do is demand what they sell for in similar condition, and if its a cobra thats a lot....if not...its close to nothing lol

It is a real Cobra. I should know more this week regarding insurance.

 

[kself]

Thanks. It was not a fun morning. I have already found out about the recall for the ignition switch, but have not found out what recourse I may have. I should have my insurance quote this week and will use that in my arguements. I just bought a 2006 Mustang GT so I will have something to play with and had the guys at the Ford lot check the VIN on the Cobra and they can only see ten years, so they could not tell if my car had the recall work performed or not. Thanks again.

 

[iwashmycar]

KEEP US POSTED! on whatever happens next! Hope they come through!

 

[Strippt88]

First and foremost, sorry to hear that happened, you are ok? To bad, that ain't just another GT, you can fix her? I wouldn't think the gear change affected the fire thing, more cooincidental? Wierd place for a fire, though, never heard of an unmolested underdash fire.

 

[FrankenStang]

 

[GTSETGO]

It was me that had the other fire car, but it didn't start anywhere near the dash. It started on the driver's side under the hood by the cylinoid. AT THE BATTERY, since it was a battery fire. I have no clue what could have started your car on fire, but there is a video on YouTube with another Mustang fire that started inside the cabin of the car. It sounds similar to yours. I can't access YouTube from work to post a link, but if you search for "joe" and "Mustang fire" it comes up. He was beating the **** out of the car before it caught fire.

 

[grey5.0beast]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ACg6KaMENLo

 

[Blakthorn]

Off topicwhat song is on that video, i think ive heard it before..

 

[grey5.0beast]

Prayer of the Refugee-Rise Against

 

[Aryan15]

My viper alarm shorted out internally and sizzled some connections in the column. Do you have an alarm?

 

[KurtPB]

is it a real cobra? or a "canadian cobra"? All you'd have to do is demand what they sell for in similar condition, and if its a cobra thats a lot....if not...its close to nothing lol

what would it being a canadian have to do with it, defects?