[Bogus]

I have a 2000 powerstroke 7.3 and while I was replacing bulbs in my headlights I took out both batterys to get at the lights better. when I went to put them back I was reconnecting them and their was a spark then smoke came up from around the belt area:Wow1: aaagggh. What did I do and what is the correct way to replace these batterys since I obviously did it wrong?

 

[97cummins]

Does anything look burnt where the smoke came from?
And i usually hook up the lt.side battery first.

 

[Bogus]

Cant tell... lights came on and I immediattly disconnected every thing. I want to attempt to reconnect the batteries to see if it will start.

 

[97cummins]

Headlights or dash warning lights

 

[Bogus]

running lights.

 

[97cummins]

I would say go ahead and try and start the truck up.
Rustin could be a help with this.His truck is the same as yours. I've got a dodge.
Sorry about the delay,i've got the crappiest computer.

 

[Bogus]

no problem about the delay..thanks for the help.. I am "gun shy" now about reconnecting my batterys. If they are both disconnected do I reconnect one completlly then do the other?

 

[97cummins]

Yup, one at a time. You don't to arc, or short something and create bigger problems.
I replaced my alternator last year and caused an arc when i hooked up my alternator. Then my generator light would come on. I found out later that i blew my alternator fuseable link.Opps.

 

[97cummins]

And welcome to diesel forums.

 

[Bogus]

found my problem...hooked my battery up backwards...what kind of issues am I looking at here. All my lights come on but when I turn ignition over nothing happens and I loose power. Also i'm hearing a motor running prior to turning the ignition over I never heard before. Any advice would be appreciated and yes I know that I am a bonehead.

 

[97cummins]

You are not a bonehead.
I would start with the simple stuff and start checking the fuses and relays.
You probably popped some fuses.As for the motor running noise,i'd have to think about that.

 

[Bogus]

Thanks for your help 97Cummins, since I need my truck for work and time is of the essence I am having it towed to the dealer service department today and preparing for the worst. when it sparked and smoked it did not sound good.

 

[Bogus]

I will update the damage and expenses I caused after I get an assesmant from the pro's. Glad I found this forum, wish it wasn't because of my blunder though.

 

[Bogus]

need to replace altenator...looking at approxametly $450 parts and labor.:doh:

 

[97cummins]

Ouch,that sucks

 

[Rustin]

I'm so sorry that I missed this thread! Glad 97 was on! Sorry Bogus! Glad you have it figured out. Not happy that you have a $450 bill. Your in good hands and welcome to the Forum!

 

[97cummins]

Forgot to ask,what was the motor running noise you heard before you started the truck.

 

[Rustin]

Forgot to ask,what was the motor running noise you heard before you started the truck.

That brings up a good point. Did the OP say if he had a manual transmission?

 

[97cummins]

I checked his profile and it isn't written down.I'm assuming that it's an auto tranny.Does the powerstroke of that year come mostly with an auto trans?

 

[Rustin]

yes they do. But I have a M/T and once the throw-out bearing caused me to have some funky starter issues.