Car not starting. Earth on passenger strut smoking

[4ll5op 8]

Not had this problem before the car wouldn't start and as it was an old battery I assumed it was this.  I bump started it and drove to work then jump started it to get it home.  Put new battery on and it won't start.  My partner noticed the earth on the passenger strut was smoking and has melted.  I didn't want to try anything as I'm not too good at electrics.  Just hoping someone knows where to look or what to do

 

Thanks

Stu

[4ll5op 8]

Managed to find a few threads after changing the search terms.  It seems the earth on the gearbox seems to be the most talked about

[taylorspug 7]

I'd say check/replace your main battery earth cables to start- so thats battery negative to body and engine.  Quick way of doing this is use jump leads as earth cables and see if it fixes your starting problem.  Makes sure you attach the jump leads to somewhere with a good contact.

[4ll5op 8]

Ah good idea I'll try that cheers mate

[Tom Fenton 1,548]

As above, replace the main battery earth to the gearbox.

[4ll5op 8]

All sorted cheers lads