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Jumper cables got mixed when Jumping
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huezda02
New User
Feb 24, 2009, 7:30 PM
Post #1 of 7
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Jumper cables got mixed when Jumping
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Hi,
Chevy Cavalier 95-2005 (not sure exact year, friends car), wouldnt start up, we tried jumping it, managed to get the cables crossed over (i know we are idiots). tried starting it, a little smoke, removed cables. connected the cables correctly, and tried starting it, first try nothing, second try starter started clicking, and dash lights flickered, but engine wouldnt turn over. I know that cars have fuses and fusible links for these situations. Anyone know which fuses I should check? we didnt have time to see later on if we could get the car started back up, due to light and my friend had to work....
What should we check? and what are some diagnostic steps we can take on our own?
Thanks
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 24, 2009, 7:50 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: Jumper cables got mixed when Jumping
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Under the hood, you'll find a power distribution box. Hopefully, you'll find a blown 'maxi-fuse' that protected the electrical. Either use a battery charger, or take the battery out and have it charged and tested.
Loren
SW Washington
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 24, 2009, 7:51 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: Jumper cables got mixed when Jumping
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Suggest for now you charge the low battery with a charger and try again later. If it will only do "clicking" at the starter you don't know much more about why it's not starting.
Starter should still crank the engine when proper power is available. Battery of dead car may be shorted causing issues - charger will react or not charge it up. Leave the donor car out of it for now,
T
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huezda02
New User
Feb 24, 2009, 8:07 PM
Post #4 of 7
(5224 views)
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Re: Jumper cables got mixed when Jumping
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Loren What do you mean by a power distribution box? Do you mean the fuse box? and a Maxi Fuse i gather is one that protects everything? I am looking at the Owner's manual and it says some are ignition switch circuits, power acc, lighting, antilock brake system, engine cooler cane, powertrain control module, ac compressor, antilock brake system, or is the power distribution box something else entirely and a maxi fuse not in the owners manual.
Tom, I will definitely try to get it charged up, and see how that goes. We have a battery charger at the house, but might be hard to get it to the car. Would reattempting a jump work? or could it do more harm?
Is there any possible damage to the donor car? It seemed to run just fine, but Im just wondering is there anything I should check there as well?
Thanks a lot. This is GREATLY appreciated!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 24, 2009, 10:04 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: Jumper cables got mixed when Jumping
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Ok: Loren and I were typing and sending thoughts on this at the same moment as you can see. What I was guessing is that the Cavalier is basically ok but with a dead battery for reasons unknown at the moment. Crossing up the initial jump sure can't help anything but you may have gotten away with that without damage to anything - YET!
You said it clicked when the attempt was corrected which suggests power is still flowing to starter at the request of the key but still not enough amps (power) to crank the engine. Clicks (multiple - rapid fire type clicking) suggests the Cavalier's battery is still low and so low it's consuming most of the donor car's jump power OR jumper cables just aren't making a super strong connection which is also likely as most aren't very strong especally with GM side posts on the Cavalier battery.
One thing to do is to leave a weak connection on with donor car running for a good while to charge dead battery a fair bit before the next attempt OR charge that battery separately (always preferred method) so it isn't so hard on donor car. YES, if there's a real short in the dead car the donor can suffer! Also - when or if the Cavalier starts it's battery is still low but we really don't know if it's any good yet. It may work it's alternator so hard it kills it and if still jumped can kill the donor car's alternator too. Getting pricey here for not doing things in order!
If you want to try the jump start again go ahead AYOR and if you leave the donor running and hooked up for several minutes it will charge the dead battery some to assist in the first start or at least crank the engine and find if something is blown from crossing it up - which is not known quite yet.
If it starts - drive the car right away to where you can charge the battery and don't let it run too long. Best if at all possible is to remove that battery if it's not near power to charge it where it is and let it charge till done. Most chargers indicate that you are charged up or have a needle pointer suggesting your are getting close. That both charges that battery if it will at all without risks to the donor AND gives you a chance to clean up the battery connections which may be a part of the trouble.
Not certain of exact layout but the Cavalier you would undo the neg battery post first (5/16th or 8mm socket or wrench) then pos terminal. Look down for what should be ONE 15mm bolt holding wedge that holds battery in place at the bottom and remove it for charging or take it somewhere for charging and testing!
Put back in making neg cable post the last connection and give it a try. If you were getting no reaction at all there would be a fuse issue, burned out wire or a horrible cable end to fix. If it tries to turn or does turn the engine and doesn't start then we need to find what got damaged when crossed up.
I'm just guessing there isn't anything hurt yet from crossing it up but we don't why the Cavalier needed a jump to begin with. The donor would sustain more troubles as it was probably running and you saw the reaction before even trying the Cavalier the first time.
Got the idea? Hope that helped. Get a long extension cord or move the car or the battery for charge and test is the best route anytime but moreso now,
T
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huezda02
New User
Feb 24, 2009, 11:31 PM
Post #6 of 7
(5199 views)
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Re: Jumper cables got mixed when Jumping
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Thanks T for the advice, will try that when the sun comes back up...
Should I be concerned with the donor car, my '06 jeep grand Cherokee?? And if so what steps should I take?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 25, 2009, 8:36 AM
Post #7 of 7
(5184 views)
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Re: Jumper cables got mixed when Jumping
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If the 06 Jeep is fine now it's fine IMO. Best not to use vehicles 1996 or newer especially for jumping and use a portable jumper box instead - I know - like everyone has one ready to go. 1996 began the higher tech OBDII computer monitoring of about everything and that stuff is sensitive to current surges or drops more than older vehicles.
When you know why a vehicle's battery is low, it's probably better to use the power port to power port extentions (it's a double male power port cord - low amp) and just let it take its time to charge the dead vehicle. Might take a LOOONG time though.
The issue is you may not be sure why the dead car is dead and if the battery has shorted (litterally like the posts are touching each other but inside it) you get wild reactions, the explosive gasses possibly present and the poor donor suddenly is trying like nuts to do something impossible - best avoided.
**********
Most vehicle owners should own a battery charger. Slow but automatic ones are cheap and easy and take up little room. Can take a day for a full charge though! It's better for the battery too and most show a "done" or "charged" light - helps to know it is at it's best but still doesn't know if it's strong or connections are good.
I just think you'll be ok and that's only a guess and gut feeling.
Good luck with it,
T
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