New to 3D printing, makerfarm 10"

[printbus]

Yeah I guess the cartridge being loose could lead to it running hotter than usual. Regardless, a few have had early failures with their cartridge heater so you're not alone. You've measured it with a multimeter and it reads open rather than some low resistance?

I've never implemented ABL so I can't really help with the Cura issue, but I can offer that I was initially frustrated getting the first layer figured out when I switched from Slic3r. From what I could read, others were running into similar issues. Although it didn't make sense, I ended up adjusting the nozzle clearance to a snug fit with a piece of paper, yet had to set Cura for a 0.35mm first layer height to get things to come out acceptable. You might try asking Roxy for help up a level in the reprap forum or in the Marlin firmware enhancements subforum, but I don't know if she's done much with Cura. EDIT: This Cura experience was from late 2014/early 2015.