"'Curly Q. Links'" <motsco__@interbaun.com> wrote in message
news:44AFD0A7.76E20647@interbaun.com...
> I hate to bring up the most obvious question, but is there any
> possibility you installed the first or second battery with the red wire
> on the black terminal? (some batteries have the terminals on the 'wrong'
> side)
>
I hate to say it, but that was my first thought too. It is also possible for
aftermarket battery wiring to be the wrong color! The only sure way is to
look on the battery for the polarity markings molded into the case near the
posts; a "+" and a "-" usually in circles, and follow the "-" wire to the
engine block or the body of the car.

If the wires are reversed, the way to test it is to correct the wiring,
replace the blown fuses and see what works and what doesn't. Especially
check to see if the system is charging - check for at least 13.6 volts DC
and less than 0.1 volts AC across the battery with the engine running. If
the voltage is at least 13.6 DC, make sure it is inder 15.5 volts DC (warmer
temperatures give lower readings) or the battery will be ruined within half
an hour.

Mike