Previous owner put negative on positive!!

[ebarn1g]

Ok so I just got my 1990 GSX and I guess the previous owner put the negative cable on the positive terminal and positive cable on the negative terminal. He told me he didnt notice because there was always some spark while connecting the cables. He also tried to start it. Can some one give me a list of things I need to check and replace? I already put a charged battery in it and there is no power. Someone help!!! Thanks in advance to anyone thst helps

 

[Smitherines]

First thing to check if there is no power at all is the 80amp fuse in your engine bay. Its the black one there. When my mom hooked the battery up in my car one time (stupid choice on my part ) thats what popped. Sorry for the picture quality, I was shaking in the 15degree weather.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[ebarn1g]

Ok I will replace that tomorrow and see how it goes. Thanks a lot.

 

[winterftbl]

If thats not your solution than you have to replace your alternator. Trust me I know.

 

[klipschaudio]

I have arched the battery on a 1g before, placed a battery that was a little too tall and it touched the hood, started arching, soldered the connector off, there is still a black weld spot on that spot, I was sure I fried the ecu or something, luckily nothing happened to the car, what I did later was touch ground to that bolt on the alternator that is usually covered by a rubber seal. Blew a whole bunch of fuses, including the 80 amp fuse, blew up the alternator, seat belt computer, door lock computer fried, rear bulbs blew out, it was not fun, the radio still does not keep its memory, might be a fuse on the accessory wire since it works, if anyone has any ideas, let me know. Moral of the story, disconnect negative battery terminal, I learned the hard way.

 

[Smitherines]

If thats not your solution than you have to replace your alternator. Trust me I know.

Assuming his battery has a charge, the car would at least turn over, even without the alternator or ecu. So first check that black fuse, and if no crank, then check the charge in the battery. If it cranks and doesnt fire, check the fuses on the positive cable in that little box. If those fuses are still good and the car doesn't fire, then I would then look at the ECU and the starter relay.

Keep us updated.

 

[ebarn1g]

Ok guys I changed that 80 amp fuse. Car is alive again. Thanks alot

 

[edenTSI]

i did the same thing to my 91. my battery posts were old so i went and bought the wingnut ones from walmart. bad mistake. it grounded to my hood and left a nice little weld there. i thot for sure my car was hooped. its been over 5 months now and no bad symptoms yet *knock on wood*

 

[klipschaudio]

Now check to make sure your alternator is good so you don't get stranded somewhere, put volt meter in DC mode across battery while car is idling, if it's 14v then your alternator is good, good luck.