[geeks] car question

Bill Bradford mrbill at mrbill.net
Mon Mar 11 17:18:53 CST 2002


On Mon, Mar 11, 2002 at 01:20:06PM -0800, Fogg, James wrote:
> Got it! Sounds like you may have had the jumper cables backwards.

Strange, because I double and triple-checked them.

> With NO battery to speak of, there was nothing to oppose the polarity
> reversal. The engine didn't start because it was turning backwards.
> Unfortunately, if this is what happened, it can do damage. The voltage
> regulator, radio, electronic ignition and engine management system
> (computer) might give you trouble. If the car doesn't run with a new
> battery, I would start checking the computer (not easy) and ignition system
> (easy). On the other hand, these devices (hopefully) have polarity reversal
> protection, which isn't hard or expensive to include in manufacturing and
> design.

New battery, and all is fine.  Just like I told her it would be. 8-)

Bill

-- 
Bill Bradford
mrbill at mrbill.net
Austin, TX



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