98 v70 battery connected backwards
 

hey there, i connected the battery the wrong way on my v70. saw smoke come from alternator within 2 seconds. got back in my car and wasn't getting power to anything except the clock and the kilometres. so i jumped the starter to get it running at the moment. i replaced the j relays and it did nothing. dropped the rad to get at the starter and alternator better and tested the wires. i only had power to the signal wire on the starter and the alternator but not the mains.

I had a friend who did this, but I ended up not fixing it myself, so I never needed to really investigate it. I have a wiring diagram, and there are no fusible links evident. If something melted, I guess it was by accident. A surge of power went backwards through the alternator diodes, and the wire that carries that is pretty short, and I think can see it all. The problem must be right there. I wish I could help you more.

I too am not an expert. I believe the starter's relay is built into the starter and if so, it's not the worst thing.
Since you have to take the alternator to a rebuild shop anyway, just bring the starter along too. Tell 'em what happened so they'll save time.
I never heard the term "j relays" before.

Sure hope you didn't fry any expensive dashboard parts or small "computers".

When you install the repaired/checked-out starter and alternator and reach for the key.....well, it'll temper your character.

thanks for the help, which wire is that your talking about?

Well, you say you don't have power on all the branches of the positive battery cable. You brought it up in your first post.