1998 Escort: Reversed battery cables

stickman0522 · 02-27-2007, 10:14 PM

Was changing the battery terminals and accidentaly reversed the battery cables.

The car starts and runs, but the battery light comes on, headlights get brighter when accelerating and the radio and dome light do not work. Radio fuse seems to be ok.

Did I blow my alternator or even worse - the computer or electric system?

If so, what is a reasonable price for a rebuilt alternator and labor to replace?

Thanks for your help.

stickman0522 · 03-01-2007, 06:34 PM

UPDATE:

For those who have done the same thing as I did, I fried the alternator.

Alternator installed. Works, but...

Wipers and headlights now not working. They say I need a new headlight switch and a new wiper switch - cost: $430.00

Told them to forget it.