what would happen if you connected a car battery the wrong way

[tatertop]

negative cable to positive terminal and positive cable to negative terminal?

[Midlodemocrat]

1. Don't do it. The internets will come to a screeching halt.

Seriously, I think it is very dangerous to do that, but I can't remember why.

[Initech]

2. Happened to my car...

Thank GOD I took my car to an honest mechanic. He caught it before there were any serious problems.

I should have sued the car dealer (which I bought my car from) for such shoddy workmanship when I had the chance. The mechanic was telling me that my car could have exploded from the battery fluid that leaked all over the engine from it.

[Shine]

3. Time, Space and Dimension would unravel.

Actually I have no idea, sorry. Blow the battery? I've wondered the same thing at times.

[tatertop]

4. where are the mechanics tonight?

or the battery technicians?
or the electricians?

[RedstDem]

5. I Did That To My VW Bug

It's Been A While, But I If I Remember Correctly, It Just Wouldn't Start. No Fuses Popped.

[tatertop]

6. interesting

[sbj405]

7. I think I heard this on CarTalk recently

The battery may blow up.

[Canadian Socialist]

8. Yeah... not a good thing

especially if you try to jump it. Booom! Had a friend that this happened to. Battery acid burns are not pretty.

[tatertop]

11. would it function at all?

[AirmensMom]

9. According to a reliable source,

it could hurt the voltage regulator.

Edit ... or the electronics. If the car runs w/no warning lights, it's probably OK ... assuming you got it connected correctly after you noticed the mistake.

[graywarrior]

10. Your sexual preference will change.

[tatertop]

12. that would take some getting used to

[oneighty]

13. mmmm

Reversed polarity would cause the starter turn in the wrong direction?

180

[RedstDem]

14. I Don't Think The Solenoid Would Engage

eom