Confession: Dumbest thing I have done in a while

[TerryBPP]

I was swapping out batteries in the Dodge truck prior to trading it. I put the ground lead onto the positive terminal and FRIED my alternator. I'm a genius.

It amazes that I can wire a whole engine management system but f_ck up something this simple.

[Jims5543]

I always fear I will do that. When ever I am jumping or putting a battery in I always just stop and stare at it all for a good 10 seconds before I make a move.

I can guarantee that is the last time you do that.

[TerryH]

The saying is, "familiarity breeds contempt".

Typically this refers to people, but it can also relate to a job. The more familiar we are with a task, the less likely we are to respect it or have our minds on it.

[oldE]

Ruined a good pair of side-cutters removing a 110v line I thought was 'safe'.

Worst of it was, moments after the sparks from the arc dropped down into a pile of hay and chaff, my wife comes to the door, calling out in panic to her stupid husband she thought had just electrocuted himself, while I'm trying to get the combustable materials out of the barn.

Now I just pull the darn fuse.

Les

[widebody911]

A couple months ago I was fiddling with the dome light in my split-window bug. The dome light on these is just above the rear window, and while I'm fussing with it, I'm thinking "I can't see this very well, I should put a shoplight in here." I finally get it out, and I start smelling a horrible electrical smoke smell. Hmm, that's weird! Turns out I was shorting out the battery with the rear seat springs!

[Drago]

Originally Posted by widebody911

Turns out I was shorting out the battery with the rear seat springs!

BTDT.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by TerryH

The saying is, "familiarity breeds contempt".

Typically this refers to people, but it can also relate to a job. The more familiar we are with a task, the less likely we are to respect it or have our minds on it.

Too true...the list of dumb things I am responsible for is as eclectic as it is hefty.

[TerryBPP]

...it gets better. So I get a new alternator and swap it out in the parking lot. Still no charge. I forgot about checking the fuse link to the alternator!!! Blown.

I SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO TOUCH A CAR EVER EVER AGAIN.

Atleast I can get my $170 back for the alternator.

[dhoward]

Waiting in anticipation for Johnco's response...

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by dhoward

Waiting in anticipation for Johnco's response...

He'll reply as soon as he's discharged from the emergency room.

[911boost]

You aren't alone. For a long time I could never remember how the twin battery set up on my camper was wired (black is + and white is -), and i screwed that up more than once, so I finally put some duck tape on the inside of the battery box lids and wrote down the colors....

[rammstein]

Admitting you have a problem is the first step.

[Rikao4]

My hot tub is connected to my pool, so I set the timer..want tub ready, alas I forgot to switch flow...so end of August it's 90 degrees, and I come home to steam rising...from the pool..
took a week before normal temps returned.
Rika

[tabs]

I thought you were gona admit that you went to San Franciscoooo.

[notfarnow]

Originally Posted by oldE

Ruined a good pair of side-cutters removing a 110v line I thought was 'safe'.

Worst of it was, moments after the sparks from the arc dropped down into a pile of hay and chaff, my wife comes to the door, calling out in panic to her stupid husband she thought had just electrocuted himself, while I'm trying to get the combustable materials out of the barn.

Now I just pull the darn fuse.

Les

Hooking up a 220V baseboard heater (yep, already sounds bad)

Check the breaker, check the wire with a line tester: No juice. Start to pull the wires through the heater side, LIGHTSHOW, sparks, noise, smoke, uncontrolled welding

Wrong breaker, line tester was bad.

[dtw]

We should get this merged with the "admit to your stupidity thread".

I am weighing in because tonight I got the car jacked up for an engine drop (911) and was draining the oil. While letting the oil trickle, I fiddled with the jackstands a bit. Got one cocked, tried to save it, unbalanced the other one, boom, house of cards, down it comes, slam. Nice hot oil absolutely everywhere. Lots of cursing ensued.

Landscaping crew at the end of the driveway were taking it all in and enjoying immensely.

[TerryBPP]

Originally Posted by tabs

I thought you were gona admit that you went to San Franciscoooo.

Been there, nice town, a$$ still hurts.

[dhoward]

You're welcome, sailor...

[Dave L]

Years ago my first real automotive task was changing a themostat in a e30 BMW. I followed the instructions exactly as described in the Haynes manual (no that wasnt the stupid part) The replacement went fine and I went on to the next step, bleeding the system. I had the window open on the car so I could listen to the radio so I just reached in to start the car. The car immeditatly leaps forward hitting my Klien Mountain bike causing the the bike to come down on the open hood (e30s hoods fold forward) The end result was a smashed bike frame, broken crank arm, and badly dented hood. I should also add that I never ever park any manual car with just the parking break holding it, I always have the car in gear.

[ckissick]

I did that with my 911E. My lame excuse was that the terminals were opposite of what they were on the old battery.