Battery Issues
 

Hi All:

I have a 1991 5.0 manual transmission.

I accidentally put my battery cables on wrong (negative on positive terminal) and smoke came out of the wiring box just above and to the right of the battery. I quickly disconnected the cables and put them on properly. The car starts, but now the check battery light is on and the voltage is very low on the battery display. What should I do? A friend says I probably fried my alternator. Another said I blew the fuse? Any ideas, and feel free to call me an idiot (it was dark)...

RE: Battery Issues
 

I am not sure but I would put a new battery in or have AutoZone check it. Then check fuses and alt. I did that to an 1991 Mercury Capri and blow the main fuse and car would not start. Changed the fuse and the car was fine.

RE: Battery Issues
 

i bet you fried the voltage regulator. when you rev it does the volt go through the roof? i have a friend with an 80's F-150 that have a similar problem.

RE: Battery Issues
 

I had a guy do that to a 68 fastback he brought into us.......long story short I HAD TO CUT OUT PART OF THE WIRE HARNESS that was melted together and the alternator had a short too in it afterwards.....so good possibility you shorted out the regulator and or the alternator itself.....where ever you saw smoke arise from...you need to inspect the wire harness and see if any wires are melted / shorted together....cause even though it may not be a problem now, later on down the road it could be:)