99 SC2 Possible F5 with a twist

[WestRacing]

I've been having issues with my 99 sc2 not starting, battery drain, chime and radio not working. Upon researching the issue I came across the common F5 issue. Now, here is where my situation takes a left turn, the red power wire that leads to the F5 terminal has a black wire spliced into it that was connected to the opposite side of the fuse panel to the chime fuse. This had allowed the car to start, but had caused melting of the plastic around the terminal. My question is, is this wire supposed to connect to something else on the circuit or was it some sort of band aid from the previous owner?

[trottida]

I'd say Band-Aid solution from the previous owner. When the F-5 terminal overheats from an overloaded circuit (cigarette lighter used for power and/or high power aftermarket radio) the terminal becomes hot and melts the plastic around it including the housing. Eventually the connection becomes too loose and you lose that circuit which also supplies power to the fuel pump. Who ever was there before you bypassed the circuit by tapping the supply wire and going around to the corresponding fuse on the other side. The correct fix is to clean and tighten the contacts and resolve the root cause by powering the cigarette lighter and/or aftermarket radio with another circuit. Alternatively, stop using the cigarette lighter to supply power and/or put the stock radio back in if applicable.

The F-5 circuit supplies power to the fuel pump, radio, cigarette lighter, chime and dome light.