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I put the cables on wrong while jump starting a Dodge Grand Caravan. It starts but the power is kinda choppy. It's clearly not good, but what does it mean? Is it fuses or a starter? Any suggestions or comments are much appreciated.
Keep in mind that a computer from your friendly local boneyard is probably good as new. I'm assuming it's not that hard to access on this van.
OP, don't do that, be damned careful with jumper cables, it's possible to cause a battery to explode this way, that ain't pretty, and if it gets acid on you, you will need to get it cleaned off in the worst way.
Also, don't get creative in hooking up jumper cables, put red on positive and black on negative. IMHO it's better to have one person doing all the hooking up - certainly if you want a jump from me, I do all the hookups or I take my cables back and leave you sitting (have done, will do...)
Actually saw a couple of high-power PhD's here almost hook a set of cables up backwards, one of them "got creative" and reversed the normal cable polarity.
Refer to your owners manual or call dealer and find out the extent of potential damage to car computer. I am not sure in this case but even simple electronics integrate a reverse polarity protection and surge protection as part of error proofing in their design. Good luck.
Sounds like sound advice... At least with non computerized vehicles the worst that would happen is the jumper cables would melt!
Not really....as mentioned before there's a real possibility of the battery exploding in your face. Happened to me when I was about 14 trying to help my mother jump her car. I didn't get hurt but I remember the chunks of battery case flying past my face and the tingling sensation a bit later...ie...battery acid on my face and clothes.
Additionally it's real easy to fry the alternator. They aren't built to try to drive into a dead short load.
Modern vehicles.....still possible to blow up the battery...and still esy to fry the alternator...
To the OP
btw...the owners manual won't help...the diagnostic info in an owners manual is so minimal it's worthless.
Get a reliable trusted mechanic to look it over. You've helped out enough already...
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