Multiple issues after attempting to jump-start the car with the battery cables connected incorrectly?

Tiny
LISA LINDLER CUMALANDER
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
I did something stupid, and I knew better. I was in a hurry one morning. My car would not start so I ran a got the portable battery charger. I know how to hook the cables correctly this morning, I hooked the battery cables up backwards and tried to start my car and saw smoke in my floorboard and immediately unhooked the cables and realized what I had done. I knew better. I hooked it back up correctly and my car started right up. I turned the car off. I knew some fuses had to be blown under the dash. I replaced the blown fuel under the dash. My car will start an runs good. My A/C works, my windshield wipers work. I cannot get my car out of park, no headlights, no interior lights, no radio, no break lights, electric windows will not work, power door locks will not work, sunroof will not work. Do you know what may be wrong?
Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 9:06 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
Hi,

I traced the wiring for the failed components back to the MIDI fuse (100 amp) in the under-hood battery junction box.

I attached a pic below of the fuse box (pic 1), but the legend doesn't show its location. I circled where approximately I feel it would be. Also, I attached a pic showing what a MIDI fuse looks like. It isn't the traditional fuse type. (Pic 2)

Use a test light and check both sides of the fuse for power. If there is power only on one side, replace it.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, July 17th, 2022 AT 12:01 AM
Tiny
LISA LINDLER CUMALANDER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi Joe,

I really appreciate you helping me.
I forgot to mention that I put a new Interstate Battery in my car after I had replaced the blown fuses under the dash. After reading your response. I went to look for the MIDI fuse. This is what my battery fuse box looks like. See attachment. I used the test light to check the MIDI fuse on both sides on top (in the attached picture is the MIDI on the bottom, right?).
The light lit up on both sides of the MIDI. Something told me to recheck some of the fuses under the dash again. I did and some of the fuses blew when I installed the new battery. I got the correct battery. I pulled one of the blown fuses #8 and replaced it. It immediately blew. Any suggestions?
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Sunday, July 17th, 2022 AT 7:28 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
Lisa,

When you saw smoke, where was it? Was it on the interior floor of the vehicle? Also, in addition to fuse 8, which fuses failed, and where were they all located?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, July 17th, 2022 AT 9:57 PM

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