Can Jump starting a dead battery with reverse polarity damage the PCM?
What is your question?
I put my truck into shop for brake repair. I also had a weak battery which I planned on replacing after brakes fixed. When I picked up my truck the battery was dead so mechanic jump started it with a power box. He went to put cables on the battery with reverse polarity and it sparked on the battery. He realized what he did and fixed the cable polarity. Note: I did not turn the key to start the truck when the cables were backwards. The truck hesitantly started but did start. I drove a block away to Napa and bought a new battery, replaced it there in the parking lot. The truck continued to hesitantly start but not due to battery. Next - starter failed. Mechanic fixed for free due to polarity backwards. Within a week radiator overheated on highway and blew head gasket. Is this snowball effect from revered polarity?
What makes this problem better or worse?
I'm told by same mechanic - radiator gone-replaced. Then told Head gasket blown. Need new engine.
How long has your 2008 Mercury Mountaineer had this problem?
Less than a week of getting truck back from brake job and jump start.
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Reversed battery polarity has no affect on the engines ‘mechanical’ components which includes gaskets - - however the electronics can possibly be damaged.. Since the engine would actually start and run then it is highly unlikely there was any damage at all.
Any damage that could have possibly occurred during the jump start the would have demonstrated immediate results and not show up at a later date.
