What damage is caused in mercruiser 3.0 battery poles reversed?

Question

After replacing the battery on my 1999 mercruiser 3.0 I reversed the poles. The ignition was in the on position. When I went to the dash and turned the switch I got nothing. No instrument panel info and no ignition. How much damage has been done? Possible fixes. I tried the circuit breaker and nothing. Help!

Answer 1

If you have electronic gages, it probably fried the gages. It most likely fried the starter and alternator as well. I would start by taking the alternator and starter to your local car parts place and have them tested. If the starter is fried, that may be why nothing else works, as all of your power goes thru the soelanoid. Circuit breakers may or may not blow from reverse polarity. Fuses won't.

Answer 2

There is a lot of damage as all the electronics possible fried.there is a circuit breaker on the Engine try reset.You will have to check all the circuits an see which 1s have died sorry it might get messy???reverse polarity wipes out most electronics & alt..

Answer 3

this problem always amazes me... if you don't know how to even change a battery, stay out of the engine compartment.
you just cost yourself hundreds of $$$ and a lot of headaches... take it to a mechanic before you blow yourself up.