My buddy's ride is giving us the fits...

Yesterday had several no start fits--like a dead battery, after several times of trying the key, though, it would start right up.
Note: this has been happening off and on for several weeks. (loose starter ground?)

Last night, all lights dimmed as we were driving, gauges started bouncing around, and it seemed like the fuel pump of injectors or something were cutting out as the car would bog and would run over about 2500 rpm.

This morning, the only thing that works is the radio, as long as the key is back in the "acc" position. Otherwise nothing else works. Upon initial inspection, the plastic piece covering the "+" cable at the battery had a couple holes melted into it. Where the heck do I even start with this?!

 

Try taking the POS batt cable off and see if its corroded or loose. From the way its acting, I would say you have a poor connection at the battery. Also, one rule of electronics is: Resistance=Heat. Based on the melting "POS" cap on the battery, I would say you have some resistance (i.e. poor connection).

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'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey,
22# injectors,
Whatever chip I feel like burning,
JET AFPR, Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass, Custom Cold Air,
SSM SFC, KYB Shocks, Boxed LCAs, Wonder Bar,
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Corvette Servo,
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'97 Bonneville SSE