Attention DIYers

Battery Mishaps and What to Do

Reverse Connections Can Have Consequences

If you've ever tinkered with a battery-powered device, you know that it's important to make sure the battery is connected the right way. Otherwise, you could end up frying the device or even causing a fire. But what happens if you accidentally connect the battery backwards? That's exactly what I did recently when I was working on my lawn tractor.

I had just replaced the coil and charged up the battery. When I went to put the battery back in, I looked at it the wrong way and connected the positive terminal to the negative terminal, and the negative terminal to the positive terminal. As soon as I did, I heard a loud pop and saw a puff of smoke. I immediately disconnected the battery and checked the damage.

I was lucky. The only thing that got damaged was the battery. The lawn tractor was still working fine. But it could have been a lot worse. If I had left the battery connected, it could have started a fire or even exploded.

So, what should you do if you accidentally connect a battery backwards? First, disconnect the battery immediately. Then, check the damage. If the battery is damaged, you will need to replace it.

It's also important to check the voltage regulator and your generator/alternator/magneto (whichever one your bike has). These components can also be damaged by reverse battery connections.

If you're not sure how to check these components, you should take your bike to a mechanic. They can diagnose the problem and make sure your bike is safe to ride.