[TKlauber]

I realized later that if the module was shot then shouldn't it turn over but just not start. So I went back out to the garage and turned the key and nothing. So I turned on the fan blower ( the car has double fans - one big one on the radiator inside and 2 small ones on the front). The fans ran but nothing else. I turned the key again and it fired right up so it sounds like a ground or other loose wire as you say. I am still going to test the alternator in looking at the wiring. I had a 73 Corvette that had a bad ground. It came out of Chicago and I happened to bump the ground wire while under it and it sparked and I pulled on it and it came loose. It had corroded. Sold that car in 1991 and had to get another toy so decided the Cobra was a good thing (another story for later). Maybe I have a short in the wires to the battery when replacing with the Optima. I always tape the positive in place cause once you get that battery in place you dont want to mess with it.
One other thing. I don't remember with my car over the years but I was thinking the ammeter should read 12 -13 volts while idling to show that the battery is being charged - you sure it should be zero at idle? Tom