Consequences of backwards jumper cables

Last night, I was helping a buddy of mine who needed a jump. It wasn't the first time I helped him with a jump, so I trusted that he was going to hook up the jumper cables correctly without my supervision. After about 10-15 seconds when his battery began to smoke, I freaked out and realized what he had done. So...

Everything SEEMS fine right now- truck starts fine, all gauges, radio, lights, etc. seem to be in tact...but what other damage could have been done that I am not seeing (fuses, relays, battery, etc?). I am pretty freaked out about this. I feel that there might be something down the road that might turn up from this major gaffe.

 

Welcome to TW. I agree with the above statement you would know by now.

 

So, no need to take it down for an electrical diagnosis if there are no signs of problems? Do you think this shaved a bit of life off my own battery?

Appreciate the help.

 

Thanks again. It seems I got lucky. I've heard some horror stories so I panicked a bit. Never again will I let someone do the hook up...even close friends.

 

Yes, I saw my black negative cable running to his positive and flipped out. We went to replace his battery today and his radio was fried. He's lucky, everything else was in working order.

So far, my truck still seems fine.

 

And you shouldn't be making your last connection to the battery either. Should be to the frame for the last or both neg connections in case there is some hydrogen coming out of that battery.

 

If it's still under warranty, take it in and ask for a electrical diagnosis. Tell them something like intermittent turnover, etc... Free peice of mind.

 

I just got a portable battery jumper. It wont turn on if the cables are not on properly. Pretty sweet. Already used it once and I've had it less than a week.

 

That portable battery jumper...is it that machine or batter i guess that provides its own power to jump cars

 

Words of wisdom to heed here...

Step one is POS to POS
Step two is Frame to Frame for ground.