After battery replacement smoke started to come up?

Tiny
STARSHA
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 FORD EDGE
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 203,000 MILES
I installed a car battery while it was raining. The engine compartment was pretty wet. The battery wasn't an exact fitting replacement, so I removed the battery tray to situate it in the. I hooked up the positive cable first, when attached the negative cable smoke started to come up from what looked like several areas of the engine bay. What started smoking and why? Thank you.
Tuesday, December 27th, 2022 AT 7:44 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,574 POSTS
This happens when the battery cable is connected backwards. The positive to negative, and negative to positive. The smoke is coming from the fusible links or alternator. Please double check the orientation of the cables. this guide can help with instructions for your car in the images below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

BATTERY DISCONNECT

WARNING:
- Batteries normally produce explosive gases. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted substances to come near the battery. When charging or working near a battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide ventilation. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
- To avoid accidental deployment and possible injury, the backup power supply must be depleted before repairing or installing any front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) components and before repairing, installing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side air bag sensors, such as doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches. Failure to follow these procedures may result in personal injury.

Refer to the appropriate Component or System to determine location of the front air bag sensors.

To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped). Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

- When lifting a battery, excessive pressure on the end walls could cause acid to spew through the vent caps, resulting in personal injury. Lift with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite corners. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
- Keep out of the reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Also, shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of the acid solution. In case of acid contact with the skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

NOTE: When the battery (or powertrain control module [PCM]) is disconnected and connected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The charging system setpoint may also vary. The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn its strategy.

1. Disconnect the battery ground terminal.
- To connect, tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).

2. Disconnect the positive battery terminal.
- To connect, tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).

3. To connect, reverse the disconnect procedure

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, December 27th, 2022 AT 11:10 AM
Tiny
STARSHA
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
So, is the alternator and/or fusible links not usable now? Thanks.
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Tuesday, December 27th, 2022 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,574 POSTS
It is possible, did you reconnect the cables correctly? If so, try to start the engine to see what happens. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone I can tell for sure what's going on. You can upload it here with your response.
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Thursday, December 29th, 2022 AT 1:21 PM

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