• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Smokin 1993 Cobra

  • Thread starter Thread starter kself
  • Start date Start date Apr 21, 2007
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
K

kself

New Member
Apr 21, 2007
0
0
0
Apr 21, 2007
#1
  • Apr 21, 2007
  • #1
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.
 
G

GTOreturns

Well-Known Member
Oct 1, 2003
51
17
59
West Coast Best Coast
Apr 21, 2007
#2
  • Apr 21, 2007
  • #2
Can I buy your seats? What kind of battery did you have?
 
I

iwashmycar

20+ Year Stangneter
Apr 7, 2004
1,236
1
39
Columbus, Ohio
Apr 21, 2007
#3
  • Apr 21, 2007
  • #3
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
 
K

kself

New Member
Apr 21, 2007
0
0
0
Apr 21, 2007
#4
  • Apr 21, 2007
  • #4
I also have/had an Optima Blue Top in my car. That gives me something to check into. Thanks.
 
K

kself

New Member
Apr 21, 2007
0
0
0
Apr 21, 2007
#5
  • Apr 21, 2007
  • #5
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.
 
I

iwashmycar

20+ Year Stangneter
Apr 7, 2004
1,236
1
39
Columbus, Ohio
Apr 21, 2007
#6
  • Apr 21, 2007
  • #6
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
 
B

BRYAN ROGERS

Premium Sponsor
Jan 13, 2006
60
0
6
Apr 21, 2007
#7
  • Apr 21, 2007
  • #7
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.
 
K

kself

New Member
Apr 21, 2007
0
0
0
Apr 21, 2007
#8
  • Apr 21, 2007
  • #8
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.
 
I

iwashmycar

20+ Year Stangneter
Apr 7, 2004
1,236
1
39
Columbus, Ohio
Apr 21, 2007
#9
  • Apr 21, 2007
  • #9
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
 
K

kself

New Member
Apr 21, 2007
0
0
0
Apr 25, 2007
#10
  • Apr 25, 2007
  • #10
iwashmycar said:
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
Click to expand...

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

kself

New Member
Apr 21, 2007
0
0
0
Apr 25, 2007
#11
  • Apr 25, 2007
  • #11
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.
 
I

iwashmycar

20+ Year Stangneter
Apr 7, 2004
1,236
1
39
Columbus, Ohio
Apr 25, 2007
#12
  • Apr 25, 2007
  • #12
KEEP US POSTED! on whatever happens next! Hope they come through!
 

Strippt88

New Member
Nov 24, 2006
81
0
0
Cedar Lake, Indiana
Apr 25, 2007
#13
  • Apr 25, 2007
  • #13
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

Now, give me a damn CT!
15 Year Member
Apr 16, 2005
4,461
70
129
Florence, Az
Apr 25, 2007
#14
  • Apr 25, 2007
  • #14
 
G

GTSETGO

New Member
Feb 12, 2007
0
0
0
Cincinnati, Ohio
Apr 25, 2007
#15
  • Apr 25, 2007
  • #15
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

Cookies should never be DUNKED!!!
Aug 3, 2004
0
1
0
atl ga
Apr 25, 2007
#16
  • Apr 25, 2007
  • #16
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ACg6KaMENLo
 

Blakthorn

Member
Jul 24, 2004
299
1
16
US
Apr 25, 2007
#17
  • Apr 25, 2007
  • #17
Off topicwhat song is on that video, i think ive heard it before..
 

grey5.0beast

Cookies should never be DUNKED!!!
Aug 3, 2004
0
1
0
atl ga
Apr 25, 2007
#18
  • Apr 25, 2007
  • #18
Prayer of the Refugee-Rise Against
 

Aryan15

Member
Sep 22, 2003
236
0
17
CA
Apr 25, 2007
#19
  • Apr 25, 2007
  • #19
My viper alarm shorted out internally and sizzled some connections in the column. Do you have an alarm?
 

KurtPB

Member
May 15, 2006
127
0
17
Lorimor, IA
Apr 25, 2007
#20
  • Apr 25, 2007
  • #20
iwashmycar said:
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
Click to expand...

what would it being a canadian have to do with it, defects?
 
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
Brand New C6 Transmission Pouring fluid
  • Danielperry2003
  • Jun 17, 2025
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
5
Views
202
Other Auto Tech Jun 17, 2025
General karthief
H
Ongoing Battle With Hydraulic Lifters
  • hailer06
  • Jun 8, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
231
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 9, 2026
Noobz347
R
What's it Worth? 1997 Cobra, a ton of mods and restoration
  • riored97snake
  • Jun 18, 2026
  • What is it Worth?!?!?
Replies
2
Views
126
What is it Worth?!?!? Jun 21, 2026
riored97snake
R
D
Foxbody Misfire 5.0 Swap
  • DPORTER0729
  • May 2, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
588
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 13, 2025
90sickfox
A
SOLD For Sale: 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra Modified
  • anjteal93
  • Sep 5, 2025
  • Fox Body Mustangs For Sale (1979-93)
Replies
13
Views
1K
Fox Body Mustangs For Sale (1979-93) Oct 26, 2025
Mindseye007
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?