Installed Battery the Wrong Way! - Automotive Wiring and Electrical


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Installed Battery the Wrong Way!

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davea1963
New User

Dec 23, 2012, 3:26 PM

Post #1 of 3 (1884 views)

Installed Battery the Wrong Way!	Sign In

Hi,

I'm in Australia and I have 1993 Toyota Corolla 1.6 EFI with 166,000 kilometers on the clock.

I recently changed the battery because the old one had dropped a cell. Because I was careless, I managed to put the battery in back to front with reversed polarity.

As would be expected, I blew a main fuse. Anyway, I replaced the battery with a new one (as this one seemed dead) and the fuse and all seemed fine. I drove the car for a few days and everything worked as advertised.

I then didn't drive it for 4 or 5 days, went to start it and it was dead again. So dead, the central-locking doesn't work and the warning lights on the dash don't even try and illuminate. So dead, the battery won't charge.

Is it possible I've damaged the alternator by putting the battery in with reversed polarity and it's now draining the battery? I've checked everything else I could think of and can't work out what would be drawing power.

I have a new alternator which will be installed later this week, as well as ANOTHER new battery

I intend putting in the new battery then driving straight to the shop to have the alternator replaced, but is it possible that I will damage this new battery if the alternator is playing-up, or should it be okay to drive the car the 20 kilometers (about 12 miles) to the shop?

Any advice most gratefully received!

Dave.

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Dec 23, 2012, 4:07 PM

Post #2 of 3 (1866 views)

Re: Installed Battery the Wrong Way!	Sign In

Test for power at the main terminal of the alternator with the key off. Do you have power?

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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.

davea1963
New User

Dec 23, 2012, 4:39 PM

Post #3 of 3 (1854 views)

Re: Installed Battery the Wrong Way!	Sign In

Thanks mate! I'll check that when I get home.

Dave.

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