1999 Ford Escort jumped started car wrong way

PODSPORTS

MEMBER
1999 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
135,496 MILES

My son jump started our 1999 Escort the wrong way by crossing the negative and positive terminals. Now the radio, key fob, and interior lights do not work. No big deal until I went to get it inspected. It will not pass b/c the computer is not turning on 5 of the reccomended emmissions circuits to make it pass. The check engine light is not coming on, but it does come on when you turn the key to the on position. So it is working. I replaced the battery, alternator, and made sure the ground was good. The battery terminals are not loose at all. I have checked all the fuses and relays, all good.

Where do I start? Should I just replace the ECU and see if it works?

5 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Hi podsports, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

Reversing battery polarity will cause a fusible link to blow- that's if you're lucky, check and test

The ECU has no control over power to the components you've mentioned

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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 AT 4:31 PM

PODSPORTS

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3 POSTS

You know my next question. Where might I find a fusible link that is not within the fuse panels? Will a Haynes manual have the proper wiring diagram for this? Or do I need to go get the real thing from the dealer.

By the way, I do feel lucky b/c the car runs great. Except for the pass inspection failure.

Thanks

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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 AT 6:35 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Lets check out the main fuse 100amp. My problem here is when this main fuse goes -nothing will come On. check it anyway and the fuses beside it also double check all the miniature fuses you can find to include the meter fuse 10amp in the central junction box.

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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 AT 7:11 PM

PODSPORTS

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3 POSTS

Thank you for the help. You lead me in the right direction. The 10 amp fuse that you were talking about was not making good contact. I replaced the fuse and have not had any problems yet. It tested good with my test light, but that is probably b/c I was pushing it in making it have good contact.

Thanks again!

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Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 AT 6:02 PM

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