Battery was connected incorrectly; it started and ran for couple days with battery light on now I'm not getting no spark or fuel?

1998 FORD RANGER
160,000 MILES • 4.0L • 6 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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BOYDHF
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hook battery up wrong truck started and ran for couple days with battery light on and still was changing the battery now I'm not getting no spark or fuel truck just rolls over and won't fire up.
Feb 25, 2023 at 5:48 AM
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STEVE W.
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,308 POSTS
It is not possible for a battery that is connected in reverse to act this way, unless you mean you connected it reversed, then corrected the problem and connected it the correct way, which can damage multiple things. Commonly it will damage the alternator and blow fuses. I would start by using a test light to check all the fuses in the system. Replace those that are damaged. However additional testing may be required on the PCM as it may have damaged it internally.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse
Feb 25, 2023 at 2:23 PM
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BOYDHF
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, only one fuse was blown, and it rolls over fine, just no spark or fuel.
Feb 25, 2023 at 2:26 PM
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STEVE W.
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,308 POSTS
Okay, then no spark or fuel you will want to check for the power and ground feeds to the PCM and the fuel relay. If the powers and grounds test good, then it likely damaged the PCM.
Feb 25, 2023 at 2:59 PM
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