HELP - reverse polarity battery installed
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4
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From: Worcestershire, United Kingdom
HELP - reverse polarity battery installed
Due to an incorrectly charged battery (reversed polarity) which was installed in my 2000 Ranger 2.5 TD for a second before the sparking and spitting of molten lead pointed out a problem, my truck will not start. Although some circuits (interior lights, horn) still work, there is no response when the ignition key is turned. Does anyone know what damage might have been done before I spend pots of cash to have it towed to a garage? My hope is that there is protection for this sort of stupidity built in and only a couple of fuses will have died 
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Worcestershire, United Kingdom
My sincere thanks to the respondents above. It made me feel much better just to be in contact with someone positive (my local dealer just said "Bring it in" - not much use to me). I have checked all the fuses and the only fuse that blew was the main 80A fuse under the bonnet (sorry - hood, I am from the UK). After changing this, the vehicle started OK and all seemed well. However, I now see the ignition warning light and the water trap warning light constantly illuminated. My Owner's Guide helpfully tells me to drive directly to a Ford dealer for the former item and to drain the water at my next stop for the lattter. Any ideas as to why the ignition light is on? I am hoping it isn't blown alt. diodes. My dealer is 30 miles away. Do folks think it is safe to drive to the dealer?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 827
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From: Seattle
reverse polarity
First off I've never heard of that one before. I didn't think that the design of a lead acid battery would even charge if the positive was on the negative or vice versa - just cause lots heat and boil the battery over.
But whatever, you may have fried the circuits in the ignition key, so there may be nothing wrong with your truck other than a broken key. You should have spare one, try that and report back.
But whatever, you may have fried the circuits in the ignition key, so there may be nothing wrong with your truck other than a broken key. You should have spare one, try that and report back.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 3
From: California Desert
On an ancient 77 Toyota I had before this truck, one blown fuse caused all of the warning lights to come on. I checked the fuses and they all seemed fine. I drove to the shop scared I might kill the battey and overheat due to what the warning lights were saying. Payed $30 to have them take a look to find out it was actually a fuse that had blown in a spot where I couldn't see. That was extremely annoying but educational.
As far as the battery reversal, eigenvector, it is possible and somewhat common, especially with newbie shop mechanics or drunk home mechanics. Once the battery is completely drained of all the charge, it can be recharged to either polarity, depending on which posts you put the charger cables on.
As far as the battery reversal, eigenvector, it is possible and somewhat common, especially with newbie shop mechanics or drunk home mechanics. Once the battery is completely drained of all the charge, it can be recharged to either polarity, depending on which posts you put the charger cables on.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
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From: Central Kali
The diodes in the alternator are a direct short to ground if the battery cables are reversed. I drove a 70 F-250 for years with 3 of the 6 diodes blown wide open. I had half of an alternator. I found it when I did a load test. I don't know what the ignition warning is supposed to mean. I like the term "bonnet", I believe you call a flashlight a torch? It is nice to hear from someone across the pond, stay in touch. 
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Worcestershire, United Kingdom
eigenvector, I am afraid that notwithstanding a total lack of alcoholic intake, I did indeed manage to charge the battery incorrectly. I have no excuses and no-one else to blame either.
Anyway, I am going to take Mike W's advice and drive to my dealer and see what he says. Thanks to all for the support chaps!
Anyway, I am going to take Mike W's advice and drive to my dealer and see what he says. Thanks to all for the support chaps!
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