Battery polarity reversal?

[Hoffman Anthony J A1C 552 CMS/MXMVC]

>certainly hope the battery was not connected to the vehicle when 
>you did this, because if it was, you've most likely blown virtually 
>every electronic unit in the car.  Electrolytic capacitors are used 
>extensively in anything electronic, and they are nearly universally 
>intolerant of polarity reversal- they will eject the electrolyte 
>violently.

>The battery will not operate at full capacity with reversed polarity.

>Brett


Just to add, I had this experience with a BMW in the shop I used to work in.
The battery was completely discharged when the car was towed in. In a hurry,
I hooked it up backwards and charged it at 2amps for a day. When I put it
in, it burned up the alternator. Diodes don't like that much reverse
current:-(

Anyhow, a friend with an '84 5000 hooked up his battery backwards, and
thankfully all it did is kill the ignition switch.

Tony Hoffman