Connecting -to+ when jump starting a car??

[karlf]

First off hi as I haven't been on in a while. So this is what happened to me today- Some tit put a cover on the wrong terminal on my battery off a work van. ( I wouldn't mind but a bit had to be broken off it to get it to fit ie the + cap shouldn't fit on the - side and vice versa)In my haste trying to jump start it this morning I didn't notice and just went with the indicator on the terminal cap. I assumed because the terminal cover had a + on it it was correct. Anyway I tried jump starting the car and think I may have fried the engine ecu. Is there anything else that could have blown? Also if I have to replace the ecu which model can I get it from? ie does a gr fit a gpx? Are there different settings on each model so I'd need to replace like for like? Mines a 96 gpx tiptronic.

Any help much appreaciated.
Fingers crossed I didn't do too much damage.

[Parkwayhouse2010]

It is most likely you blew the ECU but I would not think you have done any further damage, typically the ECU would be the same in most manufacturers different model's however it would need to be programmed to the model I.E. some models may have an optional extra etc.

[colm_mcm]

Are the main fuses ok?

[CJ]

Check all fuses to start with, quite possible the ECU is damaged. Have a good look at the wiring loom, check starter / alternator terminals. On the positive side, you should be able to pick up an ECU off a forum member for a good price.

CJ

[steelroe]

as above check the main fuses under bonnet, mainly the large ones to the front of the box.
Ecu may be ok, have done this before and got away without any damage.

[karlf]

Still haven't had a chance to look at the damage yet. Been busy with work and looking after my sis's kids the last days. Cheers for the advice. Anybody know if an ecu off a gs or gr can be used in a gpx?

[Mitsubishi-Mental]

Still haven't had a chance to look at the damage yet. Been busy with work and looking after my sis's kids the last days. Cheers for the advice. Anybody know if an ecu off a gs or gr can be used in a gpx?

i'd say its possible but i wouldn't advise it. Try to get a GPX one if possible.

Reason is i knew a lad who tried to put an RS ECU onto a Lancer MR Mivec. It went on and worked but it just wasn't right, Could interfere with your Mivec engagement as it did with his.

[shellier46]

i have an extra ECU

[karlf]

if you have one going I'll take it if I need it. I still haven't got around to checking it out yet, ended up working the weekend so haven't had time.

[karlf]

Good news its not the ecu. The bad news is it probably means the alternator is gone. The car worked off a jump start but would cut out as soon as we took the leads off. The battery warning light is o, so I'm thinking alternator issues. Some fuses blown- stereo,mirrors but everything else seems to be fine.

[steelroe]

Sounds to me like your battery is either f***KED or flat. If the battery is flat the car will not stay running when you remove the jump leads.

[Muad_dib77]

Sounds to me like your battery is either f***KED or flat. If the battery is flat the car will not stay running when you remove the jump leads.

Agreed... try it with a different battery. It could have "collapsed".

[karlf]

I'll try that so cheers lads

[karlf]

I got the car running again, it needed an 80amp fuse as it had blown. I missed it as i thought the car wouldn't start if the main fuse was gone. Anyway everything is ok bar the sounder on the alarm, it goes off constantly. The alarm sets, disarms, remote start everything bar the sounder works properly. Could this be an issue with the back up battery in the sounder itself or would it be more serious? (like the control circuit board fried)