Question About Battery Cables

[fritopie]

Last night a co-worker needed a jump so I pulled up and I hooked up my cables to my battery right but he hooked the cables to his car in reverse (pos to neg, neg to pos). I didn't check to make sure he did it right and so when he tried to start his car it would not start so I immediately saw that he hooked his side up in reverse. Needless to say the cables were very hot when I disconnected. My question: Did I, or I should say he, ruined anything on my car that may become noticable in the future? My car starts right up fine and the lights, horn, radio work okay. Of course I have only started it up twice since last night.

Any thoughts?

[Saul Mine]

Usually when you do that the dead battery explodes from the steam. But if the battery still takes a charge and holds it, it's still good.

To avoid that mistake, you always connect one cable from block to block, then connect the other cable from battery to battery. If it's wrong you'll know it instantly.

[Bad Hand]

What Saul said plus I make sure that I am the one who hooks up the cables to make sure that the cables are hooked up right.

[tsherry]

AND:

There are battery jumper cables out there (Harbor Freight has some, although I kinda hate the place) that will not charge unless they're hooked up correctly.

If the thing is running and your dash isn't lit up like a Christmas tree, then I'd count yourself lucky.

Tom S.

[kayakpaddler]

If it was damaged it you would already know - so no worries this time. I recommend if you are hooking up your vehicle - always do it yourself! Or at least closely inspect - a bad ecm can cost a great deal.

[fritopie]

Thanks to all! It's been several days now and no problems. Whew! From now on IF I give a jump I will do it MYSELF!

[Spike n Ree]

Usually when you do that the dead battery explodes from the steam. But if the battery still takes a charge and holds it, it's still good.

To avoid that mistake, you always connect one cable from block to block, then connect the other cable from battery to battery. If it's wrong you'll know it instantly.

You have the right idea, but it needs clarifying.
1. You should hook up the positive cable first, to both positive posts of each battery.

2. You can hook up one end of the negative cable to the negative post of one battery or to the block of one vehicle.

3. This next step is crucial because sometimes this last connection causes a spark. If this connection is made to the battery post after the positive connections are made there could be a spark at the battery and if there are any gases coming from the battery, it could explode. My father made the connections wrong one time and the battery exploded. If he had not been wearing glasses he probably would have lost his sight. The last connection should always be made to the block if you have a car with negative ground. If you have a car with a positive ground then this procedure should be reversed.

[ddearinger]

If it was damaged it you would already know - so no worries this time. I recommend if you are hooking up your vehicle - always do it yourself! Or at least closely inspect - a bad ecm can cost a great deal.

this usually burns the diode out of the alternator which you will eventually notice in the future. the diode is a one way check valve for current to the battery. it may still charge for now but you will see the system get weaker soon. always hook up cables yourself....

[Gandalf]

The damage would be on his end, the guy with the dead battery.

Did his starter motor go in reverse when he tried to start his car?