So, I'm an idiot, and I installed the battery backwards....I won't get into how...it just happened okay. I also understand that my postcount is low as hell, but I swear I've been lurking this place for years, this is my first time reaching out.

Car:
- 1990 fc3s NA

Observations:
- minor spark upon install, very very minor....seemed normal for a battery
- after plugging it in, my lights went down (I had brought them up manually to change headlights). I thought: "oh good, power" ...turn the key, nothing
- everything was operational prior to this mishap....ran the car every other week


Symptoms:
- No power to anything EXCEPT headlights & retractable motors
- No fuses blown
- ECU seems fine...
- no crank or anything when turning the key......no dash lights, nothing, just headlights & motors

I have tried:
- searching the forums and the internet in general, my symptoms are different
- battery charge
- different battery
- main fuse (as well as all fuses...but none have blown)

I have yet to:
- test the starter with a voltmeter (waiting on friend)
- take it to a mechanic (money, scared, etc)


Now I've heard that it simply might be the starter. Many other threads have mentioned different problems arising, with complicated solutions....mine seems somewhat unique

What are your thoughts? I am sketching out so bad. I couldn't sleep last night. Maybe it's just the starter? once again, everything was fine prior to this mishap.

Thanks for any help, very appreciated

 

check the Main fuse (100 amp) in your engine bay fuse block.
That is the one that would go if you inadvertently switched polarity on the battery.
By the way it is Bolted in on each side of the fuse block.You can't just pull it out like the rest of the fuses.

 

I've checked all the fuses, they APPEAR fine. I've blown the main100A many times and every time it has literally blown up, like normal. This one seems fine still (its my last one on hand).

Might try swapping the ECU tomorrow with another. fingers crossed

 

Forgive my ignorance, but how have you blown a 100 amp fuse many times?

A simple test light across the fuse will tell if it is blown or good. If the test light lights, it is good, if not, it is bad.

Good luck

 

...I've blown that 100A 3 times. once randomly on my own vehicle, and twice more trying to fire up an '89 that had been out of commission for some time, not sure the cause but it has since been scavenged for parts

I have misplaced my test light, so I was asking out of laziness....... just every time it's blown the plastic breaks and all that good stuff so it seemed odd to me.

I'll figure it out today. if I have to go to a store i'll grab another $5 12v light while I'm at it

thanks..... this forum is bauss.

 

Do your wipers or turn signals work w/key to on? Do your flashers work (no key)?

 

id double check the main fuse its not that hard to see or remove... id id the same thing.

 

wow, I made a gerb mistake......upon getting a test light I discovered that yes, I had blown the 100a.....but why wasn't it still getting power? test light indicates that the fuse i replaced it with is also not functioning (not sure how I managed that)

.....car is running now. thanks everyone !