# Battery backwards **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** ltd, ford\ **Created:** [January 12, 2010, 5:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/battery-backwards/42360 "2010-01-12T17:44:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dezdezz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d78d45/32.png) [@dezdezz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dezdezz)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2010, 5:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/battery-backwards/42360/1 "2010-01-12T17:44:56Z")
Neighbor is fixing up 1977 Ford ltd. When installing new battery he hooked it up backwards. Engine will now crank but won’t start. What was damaged? ---
**Author:** ![caricamento](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c0e974/32.png) [@caricamento](https://community.cartalk.com/u/caricamento)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2010, 7:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/battery-backwards/42360/2 "2010-01-12T19:11:52Z")
Given a 1977, it’s a good bet that the voltage rectifier was fried in the process. Those things are sensitive. My knowledge is derived from motorcycles, but I do know that if you hook up a system backwards then you stand a good chance of killing that thing because they send the juice one-way and you can bust it wide open if you’re not careful. Get a second opinion though. ---
**Author:** ![tardis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f0a364/32.png) [@tardis](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tardis)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2010, 7:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/battery-backwards/42360/3 "2010-01-12T19:23:23Z")
The electronic ignition module was fried, that’s why it won’t start. Fortunately, they are pretty cheap. Also, there is a good chance of damage to the voltage regulator, and to the alternator.