So I jump started my S13 with the jumper cables backwards, car is now dead

Schema · #1 (**permalink**) 02-23-2007, 06:19 PM

Before you comment, I know, dumb move, BUT, I've had the car for about 2 months, ran perfect, and who ever worked on it last put a RED wire loom on the ground and a BLACK wire loom on the positive wire, so, it wasn't a stupid mistake, but a mistake none the less.

So, the car will start and run with a jump, but will die along with the battery. So, I know the alternator isn't charging the battery back up.

Before I tear out the alternator for a new one, is there anything else I should be checking for damage? I gotta run back to work tonight to check for blown fuses, but not sure if there's anything else. What I do know is the car WILL run, as it maintains a very nice idle till the battery dies again, and I know for a fact it's not a dead battery ( In all honesty I was in the rush to get to work today, it was raining but light out, so I hopped out of the car and left the lights on).

Thanks guys!

91se-rdet · #2 (**permalink**) 02-23-2007, 07:57 PM

its most likely just the alternator...i just did one on my buddie's sitster's 200sx...if you want to make sure its the alternator just take a multi meter and check the voltage. it should be from 14.8-14.2 dcv with the car running. then shut the car off and check the battery to see if it took charge...if the voltage is in that window its your battery that is junk.....if its not id start with replacing the altinator and youll prolly also have to replace the battery because you prolly dryed out the cells running off of it.

gerry

Schema · #3 (**permalink**) 02-23-2007, 08:23 PM

Took a quick stop at the car (car is still at work) blown 75A fuse, hopefully this guy saves me a hard ache. I'll pop a new one in tomorrow morning and cross my fingers

mustangraven · #4 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 09:30 AM

every timeI have seen someone reverse the cables on a jump it resulted in a new alt. a fuse should not have blown as a fuse does not care which direction the current runs but boy oh boy does the alt. looks like you are deffinitly gonna have to bolt on a new alt and call it a day.

Schema · #5 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 10:38 AM

Whelp, that 75A fuse... was labeled as the "alt fuse"

Popped a new one in there, and the brake light fuse blew too :shrug: and the car has been running perfect since Sat morning.

I guess I better change those wire looms now. I still can't believe someone did that. 'tards I tells ya

mikecentola · #6 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 12:21 PM

Glad that it wasn't something more serious.

next time, look for the little (+) and (-) on the battery, hahhah

mustangraven · #7 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 12:41 PM

Guess you learn somethng new every day! glad it worked out for you.