electrical and ignition Jump Start Now Wont Start HELP

[aerowise]

I used my '74 2002 to jump start my Saab, there was a bit of a spark when I first  clipped the lead because the other ends were touching. Nothing big, just a quick spark. I then proceeded but the 
Saab has bigger issues and wouldn't start... So I turn the 2002 off, I come back an hour later and try to start the 2002  and it won't turn over! Panel lights up but engine does nothing! I turn on the headlight s to see if they work, they do but the odometer goes wacky, pulses up and down, then the panel light surge and then back to normal. Turn the key and still nothing from the engine. All fuses are fine...

What has happened here? Any ideas? Please help!

Edited April 14, 2016 by aerowise
forgot an issue

[jrhone]

No idea what could have happened. Fried the starter? Check the grounds? Check the battery terminals. I would remove the battery leads, clean them then reattach. I had my car not start once then start out of the blue the not start again. Terminals were tight. Still I unscrewed the terminals and it fired right up. Also I had a Saab and I recall in the owners manual it cautioned NOT to jump it. Don't know why but it clearly said it shouldn't be done. Mine was a 87 900 Turbo.

[Hans]

You may have fried something on the SAAB. Possibly there is a breaker or in line resistor that popped, but you'd need a wiring diagram to figure that out. SAAB forum? Try the reboot above first aftter charging battery properly, or better, with a different fully charged battery.

[aerowise]

It's the 2002 that is now unresponsive, what things should I check for or test to diagnose. These cars are quite basic but I need some direction. thhanks

[ray_]

Look at all the grounds. Particularly the grounds to the block. The voltage reg screws are also grounds.

 

I think current is feeding through the wrong ground paths now, which is why your speedo is jumpy.

 

Could be wrong, tho ;-)

[bento]

I'm guessing the battery was damaged when the jumper cable leads made contact and shorted the battery. 

 

When I first got my car, the positive lead insulation was worn through and allowed the battery to short out briefly. It behaved just as you described. New battery fixed it. No issues since. 

 

I'd suggest pulling your battery and taking it your local auto parts store for a load test before you do too much other troubleshooting. 

[Arizona02]

Another sob story, hope the jumper cable were not pos. to neg. For the 02, basic battery problem for any car could be acid moisture on the post that wicked up from the battery case becomes white corrosion build up over time, results occasional no starter  crank over. Voltage test meter is best to have to find electrical problems.