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Brain Fade

Discussion in '206/246' started by djh4570, Sep 6, 2008.

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  1. djh4570

    djh4570 Karting

    Sep 14, 2006
    118
    NewZealand
    Full Name:
    Danny John Hayes
    #1 djh4570, Sep 6, 2008
    I just installed a new battery in my 71 Euro gt.But due to my own stupidty and some brain fade i accidently hooked it up the wrong way round.The car is fitted with an upmarket alarm system with immobilisers cell phone dialer ect .So now its all dead.No nuthin. The new battery is ok but theres no life from anything else other than a small raspy fart from the alarm speaker.
    Assuming the alarm took it all i am sure the installer can sort it out with a fuse or possible a new control box.So really my question is as the polarity was reversed what other damage could i have done.What should i check.And any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance oh and all the usual sarcastic comments about being a dumbass are welcome i deserve it
     
  2. Crawler

    Crawler F1 Veteran

    Jul 2, 2006
    5,018
    #2 Crawler, Sep 7, 2008
    Uh oh. I think that there's a good chance that you've fried the alternator and voltage regulator. You don't say whether you tried to start the car. If so, I think it might be possible that there's been damage to the electronic ignition as well. Good luck and let's hope for the best.
     
  3. johnvwatts

    johnvwatts Formula Junior

    Jul 7, 2007
    522
    England
    Full Name:
    John v watts
    #3 johnvwatts, Sep 7, 2008
    Actually easily done. Its abit dark in there unless you use a torch to check the positive and negative markings. And some batteries have them the other way round of course. As Dino Dan says may have damaged the alternator so check for charging. The dinoplex may also have received a spike which can also happen if you charge the battery with the terminals connected - does the car start?
     
  4. jselevan

    jselevan Formula 3

    Nov 2, 2003
    1,873
    #4 jselevan, Sep 7, 2008
    Actually, it is unlikely that you caused harm to the alternator. The only component subject to damage would be the diodes, and most diodes have a reverse voltage specification equal to or greater than the forward voltage specification. Hence, applying -12 volts to the diode unlikely did anything.

    Later model electronic ignitions are protected from reverse voltage. Original Dinoplex may be. I trained in Electrical Engineering during the Dinoplex age (mid-1960s), and can say that it was common practice to design protection for accidental reverse battery connection into all automotive electronics. For example, radios are designed to be hooked up incorrectly.

    I would not panic yet. Bad things may have happened, but it is not preordained.

    Jim S.
     
  5. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
    12,313
    At Sea Level
    #5 Simon^2, Sep 7, 2008
    In my old triumph only 50% of the electrics worked at any given time... wonder if the other half would have worked with the battery in backwards... :confused:
     
  6. jselevan

    jselevan Formula 3

    Nov 2, 2003
    1,873
    #6 jselevan, Sep 7, 2008
    Simon -

    Ahh, but it was a Triumph...British. You do know why the Brits drink their beer warm.....? Because the refrigerators were made by Lucas...!

    Jim S.
     
  7. johnvwatts

    johnvwatts Formula Junior

    Jul 7, 2007
    522
    England
    Full Name:
    John v watts
    #7 johnvwatts, Sep 8, 2008
    We drink our beer warm because its not very hot here - it always rains!
     
  8. djh4570

    djh4570 Karting

    Sep 14, 2006
    118
    NewZealand
    Full Name:
    Danny John Hayes
    #8 djh4570, Sep 8, 2008
    Well thanks to all who chipped in especially Jim S. The alarm Technician came out and everything on the car is OK it turns out the alarm appears to have some kind of self preservation system which must re set it self .So no damage at all and the test drive today was great everything as usual including the oil temperature gauge which goes to max after 2 mins of running and then stays there all day Thanks to all for the help and reassurances.
     
  9. John 246

    John 246 Rookie

    Jan 15, 2007
    20
    #9 John 246, Sep 15, 2008
    Hi Danny, Glad the problem turned out to be only minor.Its a shame that you couldnt make the run down here last Sunday week, it went really well, with 11 cars here. Another Dino would have been nice to see but there will be another time in the near future .Catch up soon. Cheers, John and Jo.
     

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