Ford Repair: Very sick 02 Escape - fried computer?, obd scanner, inline fuse

Question
Hi Chris - My son was working on a problem with my 02 Escape radiator-transmission hose at the time this bigger problem happened.  Because of cold in Wisconsin he attempted to jump it with a 98 F150, and everyone involved said the cables were absolutely hooked up correct.  Long story short, the posts melted & I have no electrical what so ever!  I'm not prepared to call it salvaged until I diagnose whether the computer is fried.  Is there a diagnostic tool, OBD or otherwise, that can test & give me this info, when there is no power to the vehicle (at a relatively reasonable price)?  I really appreciate any help you can lend.  Thanks Beth

Answer
hey there, i am sorry to hear that, that is very unfortunate, i also hate to say this though but a fried battery, cable ends or wiring, can only happen if the connection of the battery terminals has been reversed, or "jumped" incorectly. I dought the PCM would have been harmed because there are alot of protection devices to prevent that from happened, there should be an inline fuse on the positive battery cable, or a MAXI fuse in the power juntcion box (fuse panel) If there is no power then no OBD scanner will detect any codes, and to be able to read data streams for your situation you will need a scanner that is of a value of at least 6000 dollars. have all the main fuses checked and see what happens from there, there also may be a few other fuses that will have to be replaced.. good luck and let me know what happens.
Chris