Hooked up battery backwards - Automotive Wiring and Electrical


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Hooked up battery backwards

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jazzkeyboardist
New User

Nov 8, 2015, 11:36 AM

Post #1 of 3 (1287 views)

Hooked up battery backwards	Sign In

03 Dodge Neon SXT. 100,000 miles. I was replacing the Cam Position Sensor. Have to remove battery to get to it. Got that done and put the battery cables on backwards. After about 5 seconds something popped in the center of the engine compartment, down fairly low and steam/smoke came out. I put the battery on correctly and tried starting the car. It started right up. No check engine light anymore but the fuse indicator came on as well as the battery indicator. I let the car idle for a few minutes and nothing happened so I drove it around the block and it seems alright. Questions: What happened to cause the steam/smoke to come out near the front-center of the engine towards the bottom and what would that cause? Also, do I need to replace the battery now?

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Nov 8, 2015, 12:41 PM

Post #2 of 3 (1279 views)

Re: Hooked up battery backwards	Sign In

I'm not sure of a "one size fits all" problem when that happens or what smoked? So, it started and warning lights on so think battery is fine but at least charging system is down. If gauges on this also you'll see it might just hover around 12V when running same as before you started it or check with a voltmeter.

I also think many Chrysler products activate the alternator meaning regulate it thru the ECM computer which is only that fried.

For now, check voltage while running which should go up to 13.5V to 14.5V quickly when just started. Check all fuses you can find for continuity or volts at both side when item should be empowered. If you really lucked out this was fused to save itself but tend to doubt that but you have to know.

Keep battery charged if not charging and expect it isn't on it's own. It's not dependable to drive out of sight with no charging.

Hope but can't know yet. When running and if just a fuse or fusible link wire get codes read and see what it might say as well,

T

kev2
Veteran
kev2 profile image

Nov 8, 2015, 12:44 PM

Post #3 of 3 (1276 views)

Re: Hooked up battery backwards	Sign In

agree - likely a fusible link...

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