Thread: Darwin Award- I hooked the battery up backwards

I planned on going fishing before first light this morning. My cranking battery is 5 years old and doesn't crank like it use too. So... off to Wallymart last night for a new battery. I put the new one in and hooked postive lead, then went to hook the negative. I got a big spark and knew instantly what I had done. The poles on the battery were opposite of the old battery. I was in a hurry, it was dark and dinner was on the table. (That is the best excuse I can come up with) After flipping the battery around (the cables won't fit the other way) I get nothing. The motor won't crank. The electric choke won't choke. The power trim won't trim. Is there a fuse that I blew somewhere? I have a 1987 Yamaha Pro 50. I have been poking around and can't find anything. (Sure was hard to write this post!)

Look under the cowling for a (probably) 20 amp fuse. It's shot. Next there is a 99% probability you blew some diodes in your rectifier/regulator. You can either check it according to your manual, or using a volt meter, check the voltage at the battery. Then start the motor and check it again. If you lucked out you will see an increase in voltage as RPMs increase.

Interesting how things work out. I couldn't find a fuse. I started to trace were I had power under the cowl with a test lamp. I notice the lamp lit but it didn't come on quick and bright. I tested the voltage and it was 10.6 volts on a new battery! I connected the motor to the trolling battery and it started right up. The voltage increased slightly as I brought the RPM's up. Back to Walmart for a new battery. Everything is fine except I didn't get to go fishing today. There is always tomorrow.

Yup, you really lucked out.

Glad other people do stupid stuff too!