Battery Connected Backwards
 

Hi All,

I installed a new battery in my '88 Wrangler but connected the wires
backwards. Needless to say there were sparks, hissing and smoke coming
from either the bottom of the battery or below the battery. The car
starts and runs but the radio does not work and the volt meter shows
just less than the first mark (I assume is 10V). Can the Jeep run on
the battery if the alternator is dead and how long will a new battery
last like this (I still need to drive home -15 miles). Can anyone
advise what damage has been done and what needs to be changed? And yes
I know it could have been much worse and was a dangerous mistake to
make...stuff happens.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Steve

Re: Battery Connected Backwards
 

You have blown the fuse link for the alternator by the sounds of it.
These are located on the relay just below and to the right of the
battery on the firewall. Follow the positive cable to the relay post.
The fuse links are bolted to this same post.

You can buy new fuse link wire at some auto shops or even the dealership
to replace it. They sell it by the foot. It is fairly expensive. You
will need a 'red' one or a 14 ga. one.

The fuse link wire is about 8" long with a loop on one end and a fat
black tube crimp connector where it connects to the harness wire. The
blown one will be a 14 gauge one protecting the 10 ga. alternator
cable. You need to match the length and use crimp connectors. You
cannot solder fuse link wire without harming it.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

tempjeep@rodda.com wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I installed a new battery in my '88 Wrangler but connected the wires
> backwards. Needless to say there were sparks, hissing and smoke coming
> from either the bottom of the battery or below the battery. The car
> starts and runs but the radio does not work and the volt meter shows
> just less than the first mark (I assume is 10V). Can the Jeep run on
> the battery if the alternator is dead and how long will a new battery
> last like this (I still need to drive home -15 miles). Can anyone
> advise what damage has been done and what needs to be changed? And yes
> I know it could have been much worse and was a dangerous mistake to
> make...stuff happens.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice.
> Steve

Re: Battery Connected Backwards
 

You have blown the fuse link for the alternator by the sounds of it.
These are located on the relay just below and to the right of the
battery on the firewall. Follow the positive cable to the relay post.
The fuse links are bolted to this same post.

You can buy new fuse link wire at some auto shops or even the dealership
to replace it. They sell it by the foot. It is fairly expensive. You
will need a 'red' one or a 14 ga. one.

The fuse link wire is about 8" long with a loop on one end and a fat
black tube crimp connector where it connects to the harness wire. The
blown one will be a 14 gauge one protecting the 10 ga. alternator
cable. You need to match the length and use crimp connectors. You
cannot solder fuse link wire without harming it.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

tempjeep@rodda.com wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I installed a new battery in my '88 Wrangler but connected the wires
> backwards. Needless to say there were sparks, hissing and smoke coming
> from either the bottom of the battery or below the battery. The car
> starts and runs but the radio does not work and the volt meter shows
> just less than the first mark (I assume is 10V). Can the Jeep run on
> the battery if the alternator is dead and how long will a new battery
> last like this (I still need to drive home -15 miles). Can anyone
> advise what damage has been done and what needs to be changed? And yes
> I know it could have been much worse and was a dangerous mistake to
> make...stuff happens.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice.
> Steve

Re: Battery Connected Backwards
 

You have blown the fuse link for the alternator by the sounds of it.
These are located on the relay just below and to the right of the
battery on the firewall. Follow the positive cable to the relay post.
The fuse links are bolted to this same post.

You can buy new fuse link wire at some auto shops or even the dealership
to replace it. They sell it by the foot. It is fairly expensive. You
will need a 'red' one or a 14 ga. one.

The fuse link wire is about 8" long with a loop on one end and a fat
black tube crimp connector where it connects to the harness wire. The
blown one will be a 14 gauge one protecting the 10 ga. alternator
cable. You need to match the length and use crimp connectors. You
cannot solder fuse link wire without harming it.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

tempjeep@rodda.com wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I installed a new battery in my '88 Wrangler but connected the wires
> backwards. Needless to say there were sparks, hissing and smoke coming
> from either the bottom of the battery or below the battery. The car
> starts and runs but the radio does not work and the volt meter shows
> just less than the first mark (I assume is 10V). Can the Jeep run on
> the battery if the alternator is dead and how long will a new battery
> last like this (I still need to drive home -15 miles). Can anyone
> advise what damage has been done and what needs to be changed? And yes
> I know it could have been much worse and was a dangerous mistake to
> make...stuff happens.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice.
> Steve

Re: Battery Connected Backwards
 

Steven,

Yes, you can run on battery power alone until the battery gives out. The
length of time depends on the amount of juice you draw off the battery and
its reserve capacity.

Do not turn on any unnecessary electrical device such as the stereo, heater,
or headlights. At best you may have a couple hours.

To replace the alternator with a rebuilt/new one will run $100/$200.

The problem may be........ what else was damaged?

The battery itself may be damaged as the alternator tried to charge it the
wrong way, fusible links may have burnt, fuses/circuit breakers fried, and
if your Wrangler has a computer it may be hurting also.

One good sign is that it starts and runs....

Once you get home put it on a charger and try out all the electrical stuff,
lights, turn signals, etc. Be sure to have it charging...... modern
batteries do not take kindly to being fully discharged and prefer long and
slow charges.

good luck...

<tempjeep@rodda.com> wrote in message
news:1143218909.532593.289440@t31g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Hi All,
>
> I installed a new battery in my '88 Wrangler but connected the wires
> backwards. Needless to say there were sparks, hissing and smoke coming
> from either the bottom of the battery or below the battery. The car
> starts and runs but the radio does not work and the volt meter shows
> just less than the first mark (I assume is 10V). Can the Jeep run on
> the battery if the alternator is dead and how long will a new battery
> last like this (I still need to drive home -15 miles). Can anyone
> advise what damage has been done and what needs to be changed? And yes
> I know it could have been much worse and was a dangerous mistake to
> make...stuff happens.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice.
> Steve
>

Re: Battery Connected Backwards
 

Steven,

Yes, you can run on battery power alone until the battery gives out. The
length of time depends on the amount of juice you draw off the battery and
its reserve capacity.

Do not turn on any unnecessary electrical device such as the stereo, heater,
or headlights. At best you may have a couple hours.

To replace the alternator with a rebuilt/new one will run $100/$200.

The problem may be........ what else was damaged?

The battery itself may be damaged as the alternator tried to charge it the
wrong way, fusible links may have burnt, fuses/circuit breakers fried, and
if your Wrangler has a computer it may be hurting also.

One good sign is that it starts and runs....

Once you get home put it on a charger and try out all the electrical stuff,
lights, turn signals, etc. Be sure to have it charging...... modern
batteries do not take kindly to being fully discharged and prefer long and
slow charges.

good luck...

<tempjeep@rodda.com> wrote in message
news:1143218909.532593.289440@t31g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Hi All,
>
> I installed a new battery in my '88 Wrangler but connected the wires
> backwards. Needless to say there were sparks, hissing and smoke coming
> from either the bottom of the battery or below the battery. The car
> starts and runs but the radio does not work and the volt meter shows
> just less than the first mark (I assume is 10V). Can the Jeep run on
> the battery if the alternator is dead and how long will a new battery
> last like this (I still need to drive home -15 miles). Can anyone
> advise what damage has been done and what needs to be changed? And yes
> I know it could have been much worse and was a dangerous mistake to
> make...stuff happens.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice.
> Steve
>

Re: Battery Connected Backwards
 

Steven,

Yes, you can run on battery power alone until the battery gives out. The
length of time depends on the amount of juice you draw off the battery and
its reserve capacity.

Do not turn on any unnecessary electrical device such as the stereo, heater,
or headlights. At best you may have a couple hours.

To replace the alternator with a rebuilt/new one will run $100/$200.

The problem may be........ what else was damaged?

The battery itself may be damaged as the alternator tried to charge it the
wrong way, fusible links may have burnt, fuses/circuit breakers fried, and
if your Wrangler has a computer it may be hurting also.

One good sign is that it starts and runs....

Once you get home put it on a charger and try out all the electrical stuff,
lights, turn signals, etc. Be sure to have it charging...... modern
batteries do not take kindly to being fully discharged and prefer long and
slow charges.

good luck...

<tempjeep@rodda.com> wrote in message
news:1143218909.532593.289440@t31g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Hi All,
>
> I installed a new battery in my '88 Wrangler but connected the wires
> backwards. Needless to say there were sparks, hissing and smoke coming
> from either the bottom of the battery or below the battery. The car
> starts and runs but the radio does not work and the volt meter shows
> just less than the first mark (I assume is 10V). Can the Jeep run on
> the battery if the alternator is dead and how long will a new battery
> last like this (I still need to drive home -15 miles). Can anyone
> advise what damage has been done and what needs to be changed? And yes
> I know it could have been much worse and was a dangerous mistake to
> make...stuff happens.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice.
> Steve
>

Re: Battery Connected Backwards
 

Do you think he's fried his radio? The good news, is that you can buy a
really decent radio now for $150 or so, compared to what was available in
1988.

Earle

"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:44242BBD.14CEBC17@sympatico.ca...
> You have blown the fuse link for the alternator by the sounds of it.
> These are located on the relay just below and to the right of the
> battery on the firewall. Follow the positive cable to the relay post.
> The fuse links are bolted to this same post.
>
> You can buy new fuse link wire at some auto shops or even the dealership
> to replace it. They sell it by the foot. It is fairly expensive. You
> will need a 'red' one or a 14 ga. one.
>
> The fuse link wire is about 8" long with a loop on one end and a fat
> black tube crimp connector where it connects to the harness wire. The
> blown one will be a 14 gauge one protecting the 10 ga. alternator
> cable. You need to match the length and use crimp connectors. You
> cannot solder fuse link wire without harming it.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> tempjeep@rodda.com wrote:
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> > I installed a new battery in my '88 Wrangler but connected the wires
> > backwards. Needless to say there were sparks, hissing and smoke coming
> > from either the bottom of the battery or below the battery. The car
> > starts and runs but the radio does not work and the volt meter shows
> > just less than the first mark (I assume is 10V). Can the Jeep run on
> > the battery if the alternator is dead and how long will a new battery
> > last like this (I still need to drive home -15 miles). Can anyone
> > advise what damage has been done and what needs to be changed? And yes
> > I know it could have been much worse and was a dangerous mistake to
> > make...stuff happens.
> >
> > Thanks in advance for any advice.
> > Steve


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Re: Battery Connected Backwards
 

Do you think he's fried his radio? The good news, is that you can buy a
really decent radio now for $150 or so, compared to what was available in
1988.

Earle

"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:44242BBD.14CEBC17@sympatico.ca...
> You have blown the fuse link for the alternator by the sounds of it.
> These are located on the relay just below and to the right of the
> battery on the firewall. Follow the positive cable to the relay post.
> The fuse links are bolted to this same post.
>
> You can buy new fuse link wire at some auto shops or even the dealership
> to replace it. They sell it by the foot. It is fairly expensive. You
> will need a 'red' one or a 14 ga. one.
>
> The fuse link wire is about 8" long with a loop on one end and a fat
> black tube crimp connector where it connects to the harness wire. The
> blown one will be a 14 gauge one protecting the 10 ga. alternator
> cable. You need to match the length and use crimp connectors. You
> cannot solder fuse link wire without harming it.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> tempjeep@rodda.com wrote:
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> > I installed a new battery in my '88 Wrangler but connected the wires
> > backwards. Needless to say there were sparks, hissing and smoke coming
> > from either the bottom of the battery or below the battery. The car
> > starts and runs but the radio does not work and the volt meter shows
> > just less than the first mark (I assume is 10V). Can the Jeep run on
> > the battery if the alternator is dead and how long will a new battery
> > last like this (I still need to drive home -15 miles). Can anyone
> > advise what damage has been done and what needs to be changed? And yes
> > I know it could have been much worse and was a dangerous mistake to
> > make...stuff happens.
> >
> > Thanks in advance for any advice.
> > Steve


*** Free account sponsored by SecureIX.com ***
*** Encrypt your Internet usage with a free VPN account from http://www.SecureIX.com ***

Re: Battery Connected Backwards
 

Do you think he's fried his radio? The good news, is that you can buy a
really decent radio now for $150 or so, compared to what was available in
1988.

Earle

"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:44242BBD.14CEBC17@sympatico.ca...
> You have blown the fuse link for the alternator by the sounds of it.
> These are located on the relay just below and to the right of the
> battery on the firewall. Follow the positive cable to the relay post.
> The fuse links are bolted to this same post.
>
> You can buy new fuse link wire at some auto shops or even the dealership
> to replace it. They sell it by the foot. It is fairly expensive. You
> will need a 'red' one or a 14 ga. one.
>
> The fuse link wire is about 8" long with a loop on one end and a fat
> black tube crimp connector where it connects to the harness wire. The
> blown one will be a 14 gauge one protecting the 10 ga. alternator
> cable. You need to match the length and use crimp connectors. You
> cannot solder fuse link wire without harming it.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> tempjeep@rodda.com wrote:
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> > I installed a new battery in my '88 Wrangler but connected the wires
> > backwards. Needless to say there were sparks, hissing and smoke coming
> > from either the bottom of the battery or below the battery. The car
> > starts and runs but the radio does not work and the volt meter shows
> > just less than the first mark (I assume is 10V). Can the Jeep run on
> > the battery if the alternator is dead and how long will a new battery
> > last like this (I still need to drive home -15 miles). Can anyone
> > advise what damage has been done and what needs to be changed? And yes
> > I know it could have been much worse and was a dangerous mistake to
> > make...stuff happens.
> >
> > Thanks in advance for any advice.
> > Steve


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*** Encrypt your Internet usage with a free VPN account from http://www.SecureIX.com ***