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A misconnected jump start will result in anything from minor to major mechanical failures. However, this mistake can (under certain circumstances) have some lethal repercussions. Electricity is like water; it flows from a positive battery source toward the negative. Reversing the polarity in a sealed system results in a power surge not unlike two waves crashing into each other. Cars generally have either lead-acid or gel-type batteries. Gel-type batteries are easily damaged by reversed polarity, but they are unlikely to become dangerous. Lead-acid batteries produce hydrogen gas while charging, so the power surge resulting from misconnected cables can result in battery explosion. While the explosion itself isn't particularly dangerous, the flying battery acid and shrapnel is. The very least you can expect in terms of mechanical damage is a blown in-line fuse. Misconnected batteries can result in damage to the car's computer, sensors, alternator (if the engine is running) and wiring harness in the car being charged or the one doing the charging. Art of Manliness: How to Jump Start a Car U.S. Navy: Safe Tips -- Jump Starting a Car AA1 Car Library: Safe Battery Jump Start ProcedureProblem
Battery
Explosion
Minor Damage
Major Damage
Source:
by LarryH54 on January 23rd, 2011
Those surges you get from connecting the battery backwards can also blow out your alternator's diodes. New alternator: about $60 to $500 or more. Plus installation.
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