[MechBob]

Cables/wiring do not regulate current. A larger wire does not "cause" more current to flow.
Current "happens" - flows when a load is placed on the system. Too small a wire for the load, wire gets hot, can even burn up. But,realistically, there is no such thing in a automobile as too large a wire. Sounds like you miswired something, and burned up stuff. Perhaps tomorrow I can read whole thread, but is late, and I am tired.

 

[bryancraftyhands]

Has to be the ECM. It's the only ytie point for everything affected, caused by too much current via larger than life gauge cable.

I'm not going to say it can't be the ECM, but I don't think it likely, at least not your original gauges not working issue. It gets readings from the various sensors that monitor what those gauges show, but I think they are on different circuits. Case in point, if the gauges aren't functioning and on the same circuit as the ECM, the engine would not be running well if at all. They may get their readings from the same sensors on a parallel circuit, but not in series with them.
It could be the cause of your new draw problem though.
Again, I think your larger than life wire probably only went to the starter then ground, so it really couldn't have affected anything. The ECM is tied in through the fuse box. The fuse box to the battery cable. By that point, voltage would be regulated by the battery, and all conductors that might have their resistance calculated as part of the total resistance would have been.
It's not likely to have even caused any kind of short because even if the insulation is not rated for outside use, (related to moisture and weather) it is still rated for 120 volt, a much higher voltage than 12, unless you had enough moisture to allow the conductor to make contact with something it shouldn't have. This could also be a cause for your draw problem.
That's about the only new thought I have for today on it, if you want to call it new.

 

[jn.mitchell59]

I found my draw, awhile back I broke off the hazard button, so I made a plate to cover the switch guts with a screw in the middle to hold what was left in position, and the flasher was working without the light all night, because the screw was out of ,adjustment", lol. ( 0oor man's got poor ways). From what I could tell from the schematic, the fuel and temp gauges are wired into the charging system. I also removed and ohmed the fuel sender, just to be sure. And that damned charge light staying lit.,.....

 

[Sailing_Faith]

Having a larger cable will absolutely not cause a problem with “too much current”.

The ECM (our computers are actually PCMs) rarely fail.

Has to be the ECM. It's the only ytie point for everything affected, caused by too much current via larger than life gauge cable.

 

[Mmusicman]

Has to be the ECM. It's the only ytie point for everything affected, caused by too much current via larger than life gauge cable.

Not likely.
Wire gauge doesn't CAUSE current, it PROVIDES current when drawn.

 

[jn.mitchell59]

Having a larger cable will absolutely not cause a problem with “too much current”.

The ECM (our computers are actually PCMs) rarely fail.

Well, shit, it sounded good, lol

 

[dennis7815]

This is a very long post so forgive me if I missed something. Is the problem sorted now? I had to replace the igntion switch several times on my 1994 Astro that I have owned since it was new in 1994. I had the fused links behind the battery fail at the firewall bulkhead connector, so I cut the wires and connected all four fused links directly to the positive side of the battery. I have the factory GM service manuals that provide invaluable information, but they are not where I am until next year. Electrical problems can be frustrating. Mine burned out at the "A" contact so when I replace my ignition switch again, I plan to add an 80-amp battery isolation relay and only use the power via the "A" contact to power the relay. If your vehicle has a BTSI coil, I will fuse it so if it shorts out on road trip you can still have power to the transmission. My video log says more about my project van. (16) Astro van project update 12/12/2022 - YouTube

 

[jn.mitchell59]

If I can obtain the correct info, according to the instrument panel diagram, there seems to be a second voltage regulator for the gauges. And every item that I listed, including the prndl display, goes through this. I have yet to locate it on the vehicle though.

 

[jn.mitchell59]

If I can obtain the correct info, according to the instrument panel diagram, there seems to be a second voltage regulator for the gauges. And every item that I listed, including the prndl display, goes through this. I have yet to locate it on the vehicle though.