i got 2002 s40 pos cable is hot . cable now the coating on the cable cracking off
any body know why

 

heat in a wire/connection means there's resistance - usually a sign of bad contact or corrosion. Try removing then cleaning off the post and crimp connectors then retightening. You could have some broken wires which would suggest replacing the cable itself. I'd also suggest measuring your voltage at your battery terminals with the engine running just to verify the alternator is putting out 13.4 to 14.5V (just confirm you are not overcharging due to a faulty voltage regulator)

 

thanks