I left my car in a garage for a month and when I came back, the battery was dead. Being that the old battery was too small and old, I bought a new one and installed it. Now, the lights will turn on, but when I try to turn on the engine, the battery sparks and smoke rises. Any ideas? Thanks.

Check the cables ! I think you hooked it up backwards. I'm surprised it would even turn over. Not good for ECU and a bunch of other stuff.


Mike

Thanks for your help...turns out the negative battery cable connection to the ground was dirty - super easy fix.

It was backwards at first, but then I changed it back the other way and the same thing is happening....spark and smoke. Could it be that a starter fuse is blown or something?

FirstVolvo,

You are obviously WAY over your head, even though the task you have undertaken is a very simple thing.

I would not recommend that anyone give you any more advice as doing so would make them complicit with any further damage, or injury, you might incurr.

Have the car towed to a professional and let them correct the problem before you blow up th battery, splashing acid in your eyes, across you face, etc. You are dealing with a dangerous situation and I do not feel confident that you are aware of the dangers involved.

Ken

Thanks Ken, You are a Jackass.

Thanks.

Ken

check that you have the proper polarity. that it wasnt hooked up backwards!

If its ok check that the contacts are secure. Theres alot of amps drawn by the starter and if theres arcing then it could case damage. Even a fire.

It was backwards at first, but then I changed it back the other way and the same thing is happening....spark and smoke. Could it be that a starter fuse is blown or something?

Thanks for all of your help. Turns out the negative battery cable connection with the ground was dirty.