HELP!!! Battery connected backwards!!!

I accidentally connected the battery in my 94 jetta backwards, sparks started flying immediately. What do you think has been fried and what should I do?

It depends on how long it was connected. Try hooking it up right & see if anything is dead.

It depends on how long it was connected. Try hooking it up right & see if anything is dead.

I have connected it the right way and the instrument pannel comes on but it will not turn over.

Is the voltage regulater in the alternater. The battery wire to the alternater started to smoke, it was only connected backwards for 3 or 4 seconds.

Thanks mbyrd

Yes the alternator is internally regulated, but I,d wait and address that later after it runs & if it doesn't charge. Is it automatic or manual & does it have the anti-theft system? Is the heavy cable from the battery + to the starter okay?

Yes the alternator is internally regulated, but I,d wait and address that later after it runs & if it doesn't charge. Is it automatic or manual & does it have the anti-theft system? Is the heavy cable from the battery + to the starter okay?


The car is manual, it does have the anti-theft system, and the cable to the starter is okay. The other cable also looks good.

Thanks for any help,

:rolleyes: mbyrd

Try jumping 12V+ from the battery to the small starter solenoid trigger wire (red/black wire) to see if it cranks. Also check the ground stap from the battery to the transmission.

don't do that again please...

Try jumping 12V+ from the battery to the small starter solenoid trigger wire (red/black wire) to see if it cranks. Also check the ground stap from the battery to the transmission.

Thanks boschmann, it worked!!!

:rofl: We were fixing our daughters car and couldn't tell her that we put the battery in backwards. It is running now for her thanks to you.

mbyrd