Nissan Repair: 01 Nissan Sentra Electrical problems, nissan sentra, positive cable

Question
My girlfriends car battery died and when she tried to jump it she hooked up the cables wrong which ended up melting the cables. Now the car is hesitant to start. It will start and die a few times then finally start and run like a top. Sometimes it will fire right up. How serious is the problem?

Answer
Travis,

I would go through the electrical system and check and replace fuses that have been burnt or damaged.  Remember, that when you reverse the terminals things get cooked.  You are lucky that the ECM has not been damaged.  I have seen vehicles where the radio has been popped along with the ECM.  So, just check all the fuses and fuse links.  Especially at the battery where the new cables have been installed.  Pay close attention to the positive cable.  Also, make sure the battery is fresh and that the alternator is putting out around 14 volts at 1500 RPMS.