Nissan Repair: Reversed battery posts, nissan pathfinder, fuse panel

Question
I reversed the positive and negative while installing a new battery. After realizing my mistake, and corrcetly installing the battery, the car wont turn over. There was some sparking and a faint smell of melted wire in the vicinity of the battery itself . The only thing that I noticed was working was the headlights. The vehicle is a 1995 Nissan Pathfinder 4X4. If you could tell me a solution to my problem it would be greatly appreciated, as this car is my main source of transportation. Thanks.  

Answer
Eric,

This is not good as you could have burnt the computer up by installing the terminals backwards.  I would first check the fuse links at the positive terminal.  After that I would check the fuses in the fuse panel.  After that, if the car will start it is probably a given that the alternator will be cooked.  The diodes will be blown and that will mean a rebuilt alternator.  Now, this is only if the alternator light comes on after the car starts.