Engine not starting after jumper cables put on backwards

Tiny
DAVE1975
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 FORD ESCORT
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
It all started when my brother hooked the jumper wires up backwards. We didn't notice at first left jumpers on few minutes, in fact then tried to start it and nothing at all. Checked spark was none, checked fuel pump, didn't turn on. I did hook the fuel pump up to 12 volt power pump ran but wont run with key on or trying to start. Checked spark and nothing. Not sure if it fried the computer or not.
Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 AT 8:00 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

I would check the Main Fuse [100A] in the Engine Compartment Fuse Box. This is the fuse that protects the charging circuit from a short to ground, which is what happened when you hooked up the jumper wires backwards. In the diagrams down below I have included diagrams with the layout and callout of the Engine Compartment Fuse Box and the Instrument Panel Fuse Panel for your vehicle. Here is a link explaining how to check a fuse below, if needed:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
DAVE1975
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I want to start off by saying thank you for replying to my problem. It is my daughter's first car and she is in a hurry, lol. I am sorry, I did leave that part out the main fuse did blow was a 100 amper after that still nothing.
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Thursday, November 7th, 2019 AT 1:50 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Okay, that's good. It'll take care of the jumper cables being hooked up backwards, Now on to the original problem. Can you take a voltage reading across the battery terminals with a Digital Multi-meter [DMM] for me, please? If you are unfamiliar with how to use a DMM, here is a link below explaining what to do:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Please get back to us with what you find out, we can go from there, if needed.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Thursday, November 7th, 2019 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
DAVE1975
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Can tomorrow charging battery because of sitting.
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Thursday, November 7th, 2019 AT 7:16 PM

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