failure to start after battery is hooked backwards

1998 FORD ESCORT
160,000 MILES • 0.5L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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EDDYJEE
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  • 1 POST
zx2 model. I removed the battery from the ford to start another car and hooked the battery back on the Ford. I tried starting it but nothing happened. I removed the battery to start another car and it worked. I hooked the battery back up on the Ford and tried stating it.again. nothing happened, no cranking just nothing. what did I do wrong? did I hooked it backwards in the first place and blew a fuse? I have checked all fuses in engine area box and all is good. any help please.
Sep 3, 2017 at 3:13 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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We do not know what you did. Did you hook it up backwards, even for a second. If so, you need to test all the fuses, maxi fuses and fusible links with a test light.
There is also the possibility that you have armed a security system when disconnecting the battery. Try locking and unlocking the car from the driver's door.
Sep 3, 2017 at 8:15 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,200 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Another thing to check would be the cables and the connections on both ends. If they were close to failing because of corrosion, removing the battery may have been enough to make it fail.
Sep 5, 2017 at 6:58 AM
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