I did a bad thing to my Battery

[jcn59]

My battery was completely discharged so I put my charger on 3 amps, and charged it up. BUT I accidentally switched polarity and now the positive + terminal is negative - and the negative is positive. I didn't even know that was possible. The first clue I had was the starter "bendix" wouldn't engage, probably because the starter was spinning in the reverse rotation. So how do I fix it? Maybe completely discharge the battery and then recharge with the charge clamps on the correct posts???? Thanks in advance for whatever advice you give me.

[MikeB]

Buy a new battery is what I would do.

[Wilcoy02]

Like wise. Buy a new one.

[eklimek]

It was not clear but I assume it was a conventional lead acid type. The problem is life cycle of shallow discharge batteries are limited by complete discharge.

I would slowly and completely discharge it making sure the cells are wet. Then start again.

You may get 12.6 v or more but current provided may be inadequate.

Best of luck.

https://www.azsolarcenter.org/images/do ... es/ch3.pdf

[jcn59]

I discharged the battery and put a partial charge in it, enough to cause the positive terminal to actually be positive. I'll finish the charge tomorrow & see if there is enough "current" to start the vehicle. My meter shows a tad over 12 volts. Thanks for your input!
This is a sealed battery, almost 2 years old.

[Rambozo]

The real issue will be what was damaged by the reverse polarity. That depends on the vehicle.

[dingdong]

I for one would like to know how this turns out. Let us know.

[jcn59]

I didn't get to it today~~raining out. Charging outside in case it explodes. The polarity remains correct on the battery.

Yeah. I'm worried about damage to the vehicle, too.

[jcn59]

Today I reinstalled the (correctly recharged) battery in my ATV and the engine started perfectly. The lights worked but I don't know if the alternator works yet. I'll have to ride it to find out. Overall, it looks like I lucked out.

[eklimek]

Good to hear.

Stay safe.