How stupid can i possibly be!

Bobbysaks · 02-22-2013, 08:04 AM

Hi there, i'm new to this forum and would really appreciate some help. i have a 2003 Porsche 911. stored for the winter, regularily go start it up etc. over the years never had a problem. this year i let a couple weeks go by and the battery drained low enough not to start but still had some power for doors locks etc.

so i jump started it with my ford explorer. the porsche battery both cables were black and honestly i just didnt see the "+" so i mixed up the polarity. while the ford was running i jumped into the porsche realized smoke was coming from the cables at the porsche. ran to the front disconnected the cables. Cables melted and were garbage. 45 mins later new set of cables show up i realize the mistake and properly jump start the porsche.

It started on the first attemp. i drove it back into the storage unit. Ran the porsche for a half hour. turned it off, then started it and it did all dashed board lights were normal, clock, odometer temperature etc. no abnormal dashlights.

the next day 12 hours later i went back, started the porsche no problem all dash board lights seem fine again nothing abnormal. Ran the car for another half hour. turn off and then restarted it fine. headlights, inside light, gears etc all work "normal" from what i can tell

Now that i've explained just how stupid stupid can be..... can anyone tell me if i screwed my Porsche up? i explained the story to my mechanic / porsche dealer... they said that if anything "blew" it would've have immediately. they think i might have escaped disaster but that i should monitor the alternator. given nothing electronic seems to have been damaged the alternator is the next thing to get damaged.

does the porsche battery and or the car have reverse polarity protection? i've read that some people believe the battery and car do and some dont think so.

Any and all thoughts are welcome please.

Thanks, Bob

JFP in PA · 02-22-2013, 08:07 AM

No, the car does not have polarity protection of any sort. Keep and eye on your charging system, alternators often die after doing something like this.............

jwgn777 · jwgn777's Garage

A battery charger may have polarity protection however when you connect cables from one vehicle to the other your on your own. I know it is to late for you however in the future check the size of the terminals. The positive side is alway the larger post unless some one screwed around with it.

FPB111 · 02-22-2013, 06:13 PM

Better yet use the jumper + connection and the airbox hold down bolt to jump it in the engine compartment. The way it describes in the manual.

WRGREENER · WRGREENER's Garage

when i did this....i had to replace the alternator (diodes shot) also found ground wires burned out inside wiring harness. better ck.

Nostril Cheese · 02-23-2013, 08:35 PM

More than likely the alternator is shot and you will probably get some voltage related fault codes.

Bobbysaks · 02-28-2013, 06:56 AM

thanks everyone for the feedback and insight. its been a week now since my brain fart!

I've started the car multiple times, ran for 30 Min's each time. in addition I've also driven it and put it through the paces.

I've also started it while loading the battery by running the A/C, lights etc. I've teated seats windows anything electronic i can think of.

Trickle charger has topped up and it appears its holding its charge.

So it appears i just might have dodged the big one.

Again thanks to all of you for the information.

P.S... I've since found the manual and have started to read it.