ford galaxy 2.8 v6 1998 - stupid mistake. didn't disconnect battery

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Fri 12 Mar 2021 11:53
ford galaxy 2.8 v6 1998 - stupid mistake. didn't disconnect battery - dipsomaniac

just replaced thermostat housing. was tightening bolts on coil pack when wrench touched positive battery terminal and sparks flew.

when ignition switched on all lights on dash come on but engine will not turn over - no noise - nothing.

I have never done this before and would normally disconnect battery when working on engine.

Can anyone help?

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Fri 12 Mar 2021 12:13
ford galaxy 2.8 v6 1998 - stupid mistake. didn't disconnect battery - FP

I would disconnect the battery (disconnect negative terminal first) and leave it for twenty minutes, then re-connect, to see if that resets the electrical system.

If that's no good, you will need specialist help.

Edited by FP on 12/03/2021 at 12:14

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Fri 12 Mar 2021 12:42
ford galaxy 2.8 v6 1998 - stupid mistake. didn't disconnect battery - bathtub tom

Are you sure you touched the battery terminal, or something just downstream of it? If the latter, there may be a fuse (a damn great big one) blown.

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Fri 12 Mar 2021 12:44
ford galaxy 2.8 v6 1998 - stupid mistake. didn't disconnect battery - elekie&a/c doctor
No reset procedure on an old girl like this . Check any maxi fuses near the battery . I would also check the battery earth strap to engine/body , just in case this has been taken out .
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Fri 12 Mar 2021 12:59
ford galaxy 2.8 v6 1998 - stupid mistake. didn't disconnect battery - dipsomaniac

Thanks for replies. Double annoying as it's a new battery too. I did disconnect battery overnight and have pulled some of the fuses on the starter circuit but can't see anything obvious. Will check earth strap

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Fri 12 Mar 2021 15:04
ford galaxy 2.8 v6 1998 - stupid mistake. didn't disconnect battery - SOLVED - dipsomaniac

problem appears to be unrelated and more to do with gear shift inhibitor as when i moved gear stick again car started. thanks again for help

Edited by dipsomaniac on 12/03/2021 at 15:05

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Fri 12 Mar 2021 15:21
ford galaxy 2.8 v6 1998 - stupid mistake. didn't disconnect battery - SOLVED - elekie&a/c doctor
If I recall , these have 2 inhibitor switches . One on the gearbox and one below the shift lever . I would suspect the switch below the lever needs a clean .
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Tue 16 Mar 2021 18:40
ford galaxy 2.8 v6 1998 - stupid mistake. didn't disconnect battery - S40 Man

I did something similar with my old Mondeo. I tried connecting the new battery with b the wrong polarity +ve to -ve.

I tried investigating fxes, including here, but took it to an autoelectrician nearby. He fixed in in sorry time and it wasn't too expensive.

Sometimes you need expert knowledge, this might be one of those times.

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