1997 Nissan Pathfinder Mistake replacing the battery

Tiny
DMOEMAIL
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 185,000 MILES
When attempting to replace the battery, the posts were reversed from the original battery, the cables were connected and there was a short. Now, the car won't start, no clicks, fans, dash lights, nothing.

One person told me that it could have fried the alternator. I have seen this before on older vehicles, so this makes me nervous.

Another person told me that it is probably a fuse. There is a fuse box by the batter with some very large fuses. It looks like some of the fuses have become brittle with age, so I am hesitant to start pulling things out only to have it crumble in my fingers, thus creating another problem.

How much damage was caused, and is it something that I can fix myself?
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 AT 3:06 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Dont know how much damage was done sounds like you have some blown fuses and ir fuse able links. Do you have a test light or multi meter to do some testing??
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
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Do have a multimeter. Was planning to try pulling some fuses from the fuse box by the battery. One says 100amp battery on it and looks like it may be blown.
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 AT 3:55 PM
Tiny
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See if there is power across both sides of the fuses?
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 AT 5:49 PM
Tiny
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Yeah, it was the main battery fusible link.

Thanks for your replies.
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Wednesday, December 11th, 2013 AT 8:04 PM
Tiny
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Your welcome glad I could help and it was a positive outcome.
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Wednesday, December 11th, 2013 AT 9:39 PM

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