Electrical problem
1996 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 120000 miles
----------------------------------------------------------------
I replaced my battery and accidently connected the cables reverse (+ to - and - to +). I connected the positive and only touched the negative cable for a moment when I realized my mistake. My car started but I had all the warning lights on the dash flashing. I moved the car and parked it. I later tried to start it and it turns over but will not start. I checked the fuses in the engine compartment and all are fine. I do not know how to check the relays in the engine compartment. Any suggestions on what damage I may have done?
Thanks, Fred

imafishingfred wrote:

Electrical problem 1996 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 120000 miles ---------------------------------------------------------------- I replaced my battery and accidently connected the cables reverse (+ to - and - to +). I connected the positive and only touched the negative cable for a moment when I realized my mistake. My car started but I had all the warning lights on the dash flashing. I moved the car and parked it. I later tried to start it and it turns over but will not start. I checked the fuses in the engine compartment and all are fine. I do not know how to check the relays in the engine compartment. Any suggestions on what damage I may have done? Thanks, Fred

Check around the starter for fusible links pull lightly on each one to check them

Checked my fusible links (the only one I could find was at the starter), all my fuses are good, but I did notice that the anti-theft light flashes for a long time after the ignition is turned off. If it is flashing the car won't start. Once it stops flashing the car will start. I'm just affraid to head down the road in it for fear it will die in the middle of nowhere.

Turn key on
security light flashing
try to start and let go leave key on
security light flasher for about 10 min
when it stops
turn key off and start car
key needed to be reprogrammed
happy driving after that
in some rear cases you may have to do that 3 times total of 30 min
good luck

OK, that worked for the theft light but as soon as I put my car in drive and moved a few feet all the warning lights started coming on and blinking again. Are there other fusible links that I may have missed or do you think I cooked my computer?

If it started I would say ECM safe
can you start it back up
check the battery terminals and make sure they are tight
do the key thing again
let it idle for 5 to 10 min
then try driving it
let me know

BMRFIXIT wrote:

If it started I would say ECM safe can you start it back up check the battery terminals and make sure they are tight do the key thing again let it idle for 5 to 10 min then try driving it let me know

Took me a while. My primary car died also and it had to be repaired before I could get back to the Cavalier.
I checked the battery terminals. OK
I did the key thing again, 3 times.
I let it idle 5-10 min, 3 times. No lights flashing.
I put it in drive and before I could get out of the driveway the following lights on the dash start flashing or stay on;
brake- on
abs- on
theft- on
airbag- on
seatbelt- on (even when buckled up)
daytime running lights- flashing
check oil- flashing
low water- flashing
battery- flashing
oil pressure- flashing
seatbelt/key/headlight chime goes on and off while driving.
All this starts when put into drive.

imafishingfred wrote:

BMRFIXIT wrote: If it started I would say ECM safe can you start it back up check the battery terminals and make sure they are tight do the key thing again let it idle for 5 to 10 min then try driving it let me know Took me a while. My primary car died also and it had to be repaired before I could get back to the Cavalier. I checked the battery terminals. OK I did the key thing again, 3 times. I let it idle 5-10 min, 3 times. No lights flashing. I put it in drive and before I could get out of the driveway the following lights on the dash start flashing or stay on; brake- on abs- on theft- on airbag- on seatbelt- on (even when buckled up) daytime running lights- flashing check oil- flashing low water- flashing battery- flashing oil pressure- flashing seatbelt/key/headlight chime goes on and off while driving. All this starts when put into drive.

Sounds like you might of fried the Engine computer they are usually located behind the dash board, i would consider other options before going and buying new engine computer even though that's what it sounds like they usually cost between $100-$160

Computer

Gtrgilbert541 wrote:

imafishingfred wrote: BMRFIXIT wrote: If it started I would say ECM safe can you start it back up check the battery terminals and make sure they are tight do the key thing again let it idle for 5 to 10 min then try driving it let me know Took me a while. My primary car died also and it had to be repaired before I could get back to the Cavalier. I checked the battery terminals. OK I did the key thing again, 3 times. I let it idle 5-10 min, 3 times. No lights flashing. I put it in drive and before I could get out of the driveway the following lights on the dash start flashing or stay on; brake- on abs- on theft- on airbag- on seatbelt- on (even when buckled up) daytime running lights- flashing check oil- flashing low water- flashing battery- flashing oil pressure- flashing seatbelt/key/headlight chime goes on and off while driving. All this starts when put into drive. Sounds like you might of fried the Engine computer they are usually located behind the dash board, i would consider other options before going and buying new engine computer even though that's what it sounds like they usually cost between $100-$160 Computer

Trying to get back to work on this. Checked wiring again and found no problems. Sounds like a computer is next. My repair manual says that the home mechanic cannot install and program the computer and it must be taken to a dealer. Anyone know if this is true? If I have to take it to a dealer, the $100-150 will triple and I don't know if I'm willing to put that kind of money into it.

Yes its true you can not replace the PCM with out programming it
it has to go to the dealer
need a tool or a tester CHECK IT @
http://www.2carpros.com/affiliate/uid/bmrfixit_1
need manual CHECK IT @
http://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm