Failure to start after battery is hooked backwards

EDDYJEE

MEMBER
1998 FORD ESCORT
0.5L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

Zx2 model. I removed the battery from the ford to start another car and hooked the battery back on the Ford. I tried starting it but nothing happened. I removed the battery to start another car and it worked. I hooked the battery back up on the Ford and tried stating it. Again. Nothing happened, no cranking just nothing. What did I do wrong? Did I hooked it backwards in the first place and blew a fuse? I have checked all fuses in engine area box and all is good. Any help please.

Sunday, September 3rd, 2017 AT 3:13 AM

2 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

We do not know what you did. Did you hook it up backwards, even for a second. If so, you need to test all the fuses, maxi fuses and fusible links with a test light.
There is also the possibility that you have armed a security system when disconnecting the battery. Try locking and unlocking the car from the driver's door.

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Sunday, September 3rd, 2017 AT 8:15 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
15,233 POSTS

Another thing to check would be the cables and the connections on both ends. If they were close to failing because of corrosion, removing the battery may have been enough to make it fail.

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Tuesday, September 5th, 2017 AT 6:58 AM