While trying to put the battery back in the car, my g/f accidentally reversed the terminals for + & -. The horn/alarm was going crazy until she called me and I had her disconnect it. Now the car will not start and is dead.

What exactly happened? What is wrong and what should I do to diagnose the issue?

- Is the battery dead/fried?
- Is the alternator fried?
- Any fuses blown?

Thanks

 

First of all, Have your g/f connect the battery the right way and let her try it out while you go and try to find some dignity.

 

you most likely blew out a few fuses, look under the fuse box and see which ones are blown, i'm guessing you blew the main/alternator fuse, like big 40amp or 50amp ones.

 

I hate to admit...but my brother did the same trying to help jump my car. The main fuse blew...no other damage...at least that I ever found.

 

[QUOTE=Carson07S2K,Feb 2 2008, 07:19 PM] While trying to put the battery back in the car, my g/f accidentally reversed the terminals for + & -. The horn/alarm was going crazy until she called me and I had her disconnect it. Now the car will not start and is dead.

What exactly happened? What is wrong and what should I do to diagnose the issue?

- Is the battery dead/fried?
- Is the alternator fried?
- Any fuses blown?

Thanks

 

check the fuses first

 

Fuses appear to be fine unless my fuse tester is lying to me.

 

The S is on the way to a dealer. Just left on a flatbed

 

The S is ready to go. The main fuse blew and the dealer replaced it and the battery charged right back up. Going to pick it up later.

And just to set the record straight, she was only doing this b/c of an emergency. Unfortunately, she created a bit of chaos.

The g/f is lucky but still needs a