Ford Repair: 2001 Ford Escort ZX2 4 cycl., ford escort zx2, amp fuse

Question
The battery went dead and someone tried jump starting it and switch the positive and negative and that blew the 100 amp fuse.  We replaced with new battery and a new fuse.  Car runs great but....the battery light is still on.  Why is this?

Answer
Hello Myra,
        The fact that the battery went dead and you needed a jumpstart tells me that it is likely that the battery wasn't being charged as you were driving, unless it just failed on its own. The reverse polarity (hooking it up backwards) is what popped the fuse, and you are lucky the battery didn't explode, because I just saw that happen Friday - scary stuff that can hurt you bad. It is possible the jumpstart damaged the alternator, but that is what the fuse is for, so it sould be allright. There is also another smaller fuse for the charging circuit, so check ALL the fuses underhood and underdash, and replace the alternator if it doesn't charge with power applied to it on all the right circuits. good luck!  Shaun.