whoops... wrong polarity

[alex2_s]

hi, i got a dead cell in the battery and bought a new one, and of course me being stoopid hooked up postive to negative and vice verca. got a nice few sparks and 'zaps' before i realised the terminals wouldn't fit for some reason... then i realised why.

before i reconnect it the correct way... what have i probably rooted? is it wise enough to just connect it the correct way and see what happens?

[DannyboyDS]

probably wont hurt at this stage to just hook it up correctly and see.

Check your fuses too.

[SAV_117]

cant do much more damage haha

[kopper69]

As DannyboyDS, put it in properly and cross your fingers. Im sure there was someone else not too long ago that did the same thing, fixed it up and all was fine. At least you will only do it once!

[alex2_s]

haha yeah it seemed so obvious in hindsight and feel stupid now oh well learning curve. put it all in correct way and all seems well except a blown parking light after checking all electrical systems.

also i realised i don't have my radio code and for some reason every other time i disconeected the battery it didn't need it. Oh well no tunes until that's obtained.

[SIKVR]

lol... i have done that and couldnt understand y the abs fuse blew... worng way..lol nothing else damaged thank god...

[Nickhead]

so ive done this same boneheaded move. my radio is gone, my battery indicator light has stayed on, and as i was parking last nite, the low fuel indicator popped on, then off, gas guage dropped to nothing (quarter tank in), and the headlights got dim.

i understand its the alternator, but before i go and tear it down. does the alternator itself have a fuse? (wrong cables hooked up for about 10-13 seconds, and smoke did come out of the alternator), or have i fried my alternator?

im in lithgow, is there any where to purchase rebuilt alternators for a reduced cost? (in case mine is fried?)

1999 Commodore

[accentstencil]

so ive done this same boneheaded move. my radio is gone, my battery indicator light has stayed on, and as i was parking last nite, the low fuel indicator popped on, then off, gas guage dropped to nothing (quarter tank in), and the headlights got dim.

i understand its the alternator, but before i go and tear it down. does the alternator itself have a fuse? (wrong cables hooked up for about 10-13 seconds, and smoke did come out of the alternator), or have i fried my alternator?

im in lithgow, is there any where to purchase rebuilt alternators for a reduced cost? (in case mine is fried?)
1999 Commodore

I reckon the alternator has fried. If you can't afford a new one then try some wreckers.

[Nickhead]

i figured as much. im originally from the states, so i need to stop thinking 'backwards' and no more bong hits before maintenance.

i know back home we would buy them reconditioned, is that not an option here?

[wamboin23]

yep, alternator will all cooked and crispy.

you could try an auto elec for a reco, but they may end up charging you more cause they won't be able to rebuild yours.

[moff_man]

there is a fusabol link on the positive lead that usually frys (100% on the v8's not too shure about the vs v6's)

just checked my vr and its the little red wire on the +'ive that goes in to a single plug that connects to a white wire

[James39]

so ive done this same boneheaded move. my radio is gone, my battery indicator light has stayed on, and as i was parking last nite, the low fuel indicator popped on, then off, gas guage dropped to nothing (quarter tank in), and the headlights got dim.

i understand its the alternator, but before i go and tear it down. does the alternator itself have a fuse? (wrong cables hooked up for about 10-13 seconds, and smoke did come out of the alternator), or have i fried my alternator?

im in lithgow, is there any where to purchase rebuilt alternators for a reduced cost? (in case mine is fried?)

1999 Commodore

Check your regulator and brushes before thinking the worst.

[slayer208]

Yeah, I was going to say the regulator/diode pack in the alternator would possibly be fried!. Your fusible links should be fine, as they're only thick wire that will only break if you get a massive over voltage, in general anyhow. I'm surprised you didn't just blow a few fuses. Worst thing that could happen is that your computer box gets totalled!.

Cheers!