Battery install reversed, now won't start, need input

[Four and a half]

So I bought a size 27 battery. But in the dark I neglected to notice that the poles were reversed compared to my previous battery. So, I tried to install it but it obviously sparked for a second when I touched the second pole with the battery connector. Lucky I guess that I didn't electrocute myself.

So, I reinstalled my first battery. I got a new one because the previous one wasn't holding a charge and was ancient.

So, I have a car connected to the LX to jump it, and it will try to turn over, but will never catch. Like there's no spark getting to the engine. Did I fry something internally when I connected the battery reversed?

 

[retrofive]

Fusible links?

 

[Four and a half]

I don't know what that means.

 

[Four and a half]

I looked it up and I think that means the fuses in the box in the engine bay right? I'm not 100% sure how to determine whether those are shot or not.

 

[retrofive]

On the positive side there is pigtail (3 fusible links) AM1, AM2 and MAIN. If they are smoked it will have them symptoms described. They are right on the other side of teh battery tray.

 

[retrofive]

Not the box with the little larger removable cap with the EFI in it. Or could be the EFI fuse as well.

 

[Kungpaodog]

I buggered up a (now) ex-girlfriends Corolla about 10 years ago doing that same thing. I'm pretty sure I cooked the starter. But after two days of going over everything else it turned out that the reverse hook-up had fried a left over connector from an old security system. The fuses, relays, etc. all checked out, but who knows what you could cook if you don't fry an old chunk of alarm system first?

So- no spark means check fuses, fusible links, relays, distributor, plug wires, ignition coils, ignition module... roughly in that order of ease to check. Then keep going if it still won't start.

Good luck hunting down what's wrong.

 

[Four and a half]

Is the 3 way the little fuse attached to the battery connector?

 

[retrofive]

Is the 3 way the little fuse attached to the battery connector?

Yes. Do you have a multi meter?

 

[Four and a half]

Yes. Do you have a multi meter?

My buddy's going to grab his now. I'm not sure how to diagnose it, but they are car guys and can help.

What should I advise them to look for? And if these are fried, where can I get them from?

 

[Four and a half]

looks like it is the fusible links. So my buddies are going to hook up another fuse for it.

 

[cary]

looks like it is the fusible links. So my buddies are going to hook up another fuse for it.

Don't use a fuse, replace with the proper fusable link. They are available from the dealer inexpensively.

Sent from my iPad using IH8MUD

 

[retrofive]

I keep a spare (fusible links) in the glove box . They come with the "3" and are about $15 from a toyo dealer.

 

[western flyer]

^^What Cary and retrofive said. Use the OEM fusible links. They are cheap and exactly what should be there. Get a second set of fusible links as a spare.

If the links are the only damage, consider yourself lucky. I had a roommate do this to one of my cars a couple decades ago. It took a LONG time to track down a burnt diode in the alternator. Now I let very few people touch my rigs.

 

[Four and a half]

I'll get a fusible link ASAP. Or a couple I guess.