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Topic: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage? (Read 943 times) |
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Hoople
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Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage?
« on: Jan 9th, 2017, 3:20pm » |
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Hi
For some reason the battery of my 2.3 Auto Ultima became rather flat and I borrowed a booster pack to get it started. It's really stupid, I know, but I got the connections the wrong way around. The terminals got very hot, and I could hear a fast clicking sound from the engine. The engine would not start of course. I changed the connections and the car started and ran just like normal.
The only thing I can see that is different is that the radio/tape/cd no longer works; the panel is blank (it does not ask for code). I wonder if it might have blown a fuse. The trip computer changed MPH to KPH but I've changed that back.
I realise what I have done is not a good thing and so, with some embarrassment, I ask you whether I might have done any damage to the car? Any comments please?
Thanks all
Matt
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Simmo
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Re: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage
« Reply #1 on: Jan 9th, 2017, 3:42pm » |
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It seems you may have been a very lucky guy!! 
It would appear from what you say that you've got away with it. The radio is covered by a 5amp fuse, number 8 in the main, drivers side, fuse box so I'd check that out and see if that cures the radio issue.
Let us know how you get on please.
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Tompion
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1997 2.3 Ultima estate.
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Re: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage
« Reply #2 on: Jan 9th, 2017, 4:56pm » |
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Make sure the security panel on the radio is properly latched (the bit with preset buttons 1 to 5 on).
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Hoople
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Re: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage
« Reply #3 on: Jan 9th, 2017, 11:48pm » |
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Thanks for your replies. Yes, a silly thing to do which I shall never do again!
I guess if Henry Ford had not been looking down on me that day that I could have fried the ECU? I'm not sure what made the ticking noise when it was incorrectly connected.
I'll let you know how I get on with radio issue in due course.
Thanks for your help; this is a great resource!
Best
Matt
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Hoople
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Re: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage
« Reply #4 on: Jan 17th, 2017, 3:31pm » |
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Hi All
I've changed the radio fuse and have checked the front panel on the radio unit is correctly on. Still no joy. If everything else is working is it really possible that I have killed the radio?! I am now considering using an auto electrician as all this is really beyond my limited capabilities.
Also, and get this for real bad luck, something fell on the car in the garage and has dented the rear quarter panel! I'm still in shock...
Best
Matt
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Simmo
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Re: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage
« Reply #5 on: Jan 17th, 2017, 4:26pm » |
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Check fuse 24 which is detailed for interior lights and audio systems. 10amp in central fuse box. 
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Hoople
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Re: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage
« Reply #6 on: Jan 18th, 2017, 11:47pm » |
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Yes! I did notice the interior lights weren't working and thought they might have been affected too...I will look into and let you know result.
Many thanks and best
Matt
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Tompion
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1997 2.3 Ultima estate.
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Re: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage
« Reply #7 on: Jan 19th, 2017, 1:50am » |
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If the interior lights aren't working also check fuse 36 - power saver - in the auxiliary fuse box.
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ultima4
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Re: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage
« Reply #8 on: May 18th, 2017, 6:22pm » |
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hi same problem silly old sod aint I can any one tell me the number of the battery as all the ones ive looked at on Halfords and europarts they are all showing round post which are no good I need the bolt through type cheers guys
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Simmo
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Re: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage
« Reply #9 on: May 18th, 2017, 7:23pm » |
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I don't think you'll get a battery now without the round terminals. Simply buy something like This and fit the cables to it. Just fix the cable eyes to the tightening bolt. Job done. 
Just be sure you get a battery with the right capacity. Have a read of this
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ultima4
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Re: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage
« Reply #10 on: May 18th, 2017, 7:49pm » |
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thanks simmo I will take your advice cheers geoff
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ultima4
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Re: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage
« Reply #11 on: May 26th, 2017, 1:54pm » |
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hi guys got new battery from Tanya batterys very good sevice and well packed when deliverd had the right bolt through teminals. 84 pounds with vat . off internet
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ultima4
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Re: Battery Polarity Mistake: Have I Caused Damage
« Reply #12 on: May 26th, 2017, 2:18pm » |
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sorry forgot to tell battery number 097 thanks chaps
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