Reversed polarity on battery install, will not start?

Tiny
ROBACARR
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 HONDA PILOT
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 193,000 MILES
Hi, rushing and exhausted. Accidentally reversed the polarity when installing the battery. First clue was the horn blaring. Tried a few times to connect it. Discovered the issue and installed correctly. Now nothing works. Tried to start it. Nothing, not even the dash lighting up. What can I do to "fix" this issue? Or is it a lost cause?
Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 AT 8:59 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
ROBACARR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Update: I blew the 120 A fuse, so I replaced it. I also blew a 20A fuse that handles the clock and radio. Replaced that as well. At this point, I think everything is in working order. What else should I consider checking before to give me peace of mind, if anything?
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Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 AT 11:10 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,148 POSTS
Good find, I would drive the car and make sure everything works and that you have no warning lights on, if it seems okay, you should be good to go.

Please go over this guide as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/resolving-reverse-battery-connection-in-cars-a-step-by-step-repair-guide

Let us know if you need anything else.
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Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 AT 11:32 AM
Tiny
ROBACARR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hi Ken L.

After a few days, I haven't noticed any issues with the vehicles functioning or operation. I did note however that there appears to be some melting or burning as noted in my photo. I don't know for sure if that was there before this incident or not, but it doesn't appear (yet) to be causing any sorts of issues. Anything I should be concerned about or replace?
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Monday, January 27th, 2025 AT 6:44 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 50,148 POSTS
I can't tell if that is burnt or how bad the damage is, can you upload it and get a close-up image? Also, get wiring as well.
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Monday, January 27th, 2025 AT 9:49 AM
Tiny
ROBACARR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hi Ken,

Sorry I didn't have access to the Pilot for a few weeks as it was undergoing some body work after I was rear ended. I attempted to take several photos that I hope will help.
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Monday, February 10th, 2025 AT 12:43 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I still cannot tell if it has melted, sorry, sometimes the wiring just looks like that, can you unplug the connector to get a closer look, also does anything seem normal other than that?
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+1
Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
ROBACARR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
As far as I can tell, everything seems normal. If memory serves, I didn't see a way to unplug the connector, but I can take another look.
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Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 AT 1:43 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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If you can get a closer shot in focus I can see better, sorry.
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Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 AT 9:09 AM

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