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Made a huge electrical mistake, looking for advice
Through some immense ignorance and stupidity (picked a rough first car to try working on myself, lol), I managed to plug in the battery backwards briefly. As you might imagine, a lot of bad things happened in that very short period of time. So I’m trying to figure out how to diagnose how many things are broken and where to go from here. Pretty sure the fusible link going to the starter popped so perhaps I can replace that, hook the battery up properly this time, and check what modules are still up through a tech2? Could definitely use some advice, was just trying to replace the alternator
Perfect thread, dunno how I didn’t find it in my search. Thanks! Good to know I’m far from the first person to do this lol
So pretty much my only question is what to do about the fusible link? If I just match the original gauge would something from the local auto parts store work? Or would I need something specific from GM?
Nothing special required. It is just a big fuse and it did its job well.
Hoping that’s the case! I’ve only found 2 blown fuses so far, not sure how to check continuity on all the relays though. Or would I wanna test resistance on those?
Hoping that’s the case! I’ve only found 2 blown fuses so far, not sure how to check continuity on all the relays though. Or would I wanna test resistance on those?
pics from above and below, red circle around the damaged wire. I’m guessing that’s pretty clearly the fusible link? There’s copper splattered on the headers and that general area. So just take it off the starter, cut off the damaged section, splice in a new one, and good to go?
Removed that wire, clearly says “fusible link wire” on the insulation. Good to know lol
However it does seem that it’s an 8 AWG wire? Biggest fusible links I can find readily available are 12 AWG at best, not sure where to find the appropriate size. Unless I’ve measured it wrong or something? Wire bundle is ~3.5mm in diameter
So I’ve replaced the two blown fuses and have some 8 AWG fusible link wire on the way. While I’m waiting for the wire I figured I’d hook the battery back up (properly this time!) to put the car in neutral and get it out of the garage. But all I got was interior lights, the dash wouldn’t light up and I couldn’t put it in accessory mode or do anything. All fuses are now good in both the passenger footwell and the main box so I’m not sure where to look now?
you can remove the under hood fuse box "top" that holds the fuses, and this exposes all the pins and wires.
you're going to want to check there for anything that looks abnormal.
you might be able to see a damaged wire or pin that might be causing some trouble....
also if you have a volt meter, you can check for voltage at various plugs or connectors around the vehicle...
the cig outlet supplies a constant 12v, so you should be able to get 12v there... that will at least let ya know you've got power to other parts of the interior...
you can do the same if you remove the stereo, there should be some constant 12v as well
Made a huge electrical mistake, looking for advice
