New charger shows FO6 code for reversed polarity. Battery is correctly installed.Hooked charger up with positive on battery terminal and ground on bike frame and still get same code.HD 2005 superglide

a lead acid will not charge with the polarity reversed
What happens is that in dead shorts and can destroy the battery
it can blow up the battery , blow the charger fuses and destroy the charger
Depending on the damage to the battery cell plates it may be recoverable

have it checked out by an accredited auto electrician because reversing polarity can do damage to alternator , ECM and numerous other polarity sensitive items in the car.

Firstly, take note of your radio codes then get a small motorcycle battery and make up or buy a jumper plug that goes in your cigar lighter socket, ensuring you have the polarity correct. This will keep any codes alive when you disconnect the main battery. Make sure the ignition key is OUT because the cigar socket won't take any current. Remove the negative cable first. Then the positive. Replace the positive cable from the battery to starter terminal or where ever its fitted. Replace the negative / ground cable ensuring a good clean ground is made. When both cables are properly clipped up as per the original arrangement then reattach the Positive first, then the Neg or ground next. Remove your temporary battery from the cigar socket and with a bit of luck your radio codes should be good. Take your time and check out how difficult it is to reach the starter terminal connection before you start. Some are a bi*ch.

reversed polarity,check fuses. check the system for burnt wires also !
Always hook up your battery terminals correctly, as the alternator may be damaged if the battery is hooked up backward. jump start car, if it will. there should be at least 13.7 to 14.2 volts at battery posts while its running. if alternator is ok.

Hi a stupid question but have you changed the Battery for the correct one for you car ??
( believe me iv'e got it wrong in the past) an incorrect battery can cause all sorts of problems, one example is Reversed polarity, the Battery terminals may be on the right side of the battery but are they the correct way round ie Negative and Positive ??
Good Luck
lacala69

Hi and welcome to FixYa, I am Kelly (Electrician since late 1960's)

Ground goes to the - pole. Hooking it up backwards can damage your alternator, wiring harnesses and fuse links. (Fuse link damage is a nightmare to sort out!) What you do by hooking up a battery backwards is turn your vehicle wiring harness into a giant heating element. (<-Very bad!) If you just changed the battery and then you hooked up the cables with the smoking cable result you certainly did connect the cables backwards. The ground cable... will connect to chassis and in most cases the engine body / transmission somewhere.
The positive cable will eventually connect to the starter. Follow the ground lead from the battery to the chassis or engine body connection. (metal to metal contact) Once your sure that is the ground cable; connect it to the - post of the battery AFTER connecting the positive post terminal.
If you have a newer audio system you will have lost your radio codes. We can not provide the codes for anti-theft reasons. Activation Codes must be from the car dealer or audio system retailer.
Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

Battery Removal & Installation To Remove:
CAUTION
Make sure to connect the correct battery cables to the correct battery terminals. Reversing the battery's polarity may result in extensive damage to electrical components.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Turn off all lighting and accessories.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • The negative battery cable first, and then the positive cable
   • The hardware securing the battery to the tray
   • The battery cover, if so equipped
   • The battery from the tray

To Install:

1. Position the battery on the tray and install the cover if equipped.
2. Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a wire brush.
3. Install or connect the following:
   • The battery hold down bracket and fasteners NOTE: Do not make the fastener so tight as to damage the battery.
     
   • Positive battery cable fist and then the negative cable

Possible causes:
1. New battery defective. ( Open circuit between battery cells ) Seen it before, therefore, possible.

2. Battery terminals not making connection ( check terminals )

3. Battery has different polarity than the original battery. ( Positive post and the negative post are reversed ) They do sell the reverse battery, therefore, possible. Basically, a battery hooked up backwards.
That would cause the Main fuse to blow resulting the no power in the vehicle.

• Loosen the battery negative terminal clamp.

• Use a terminal clamp puller to remove the negative cable.

• Loosen the battery positive terminal clamp.

• Use a terminal clamp puller to remove the positive clamp.

• Remove the battery hold-down hardware and any heat shields.

• Remove the battery from the tray.

• Install the new battery into the tray.
• Also install the hold-down hardware.

• Install the positive battery cable.
• Then install the negative cable.
• When installing a battery, be careful to observe the correct polarity. Reversing the cables destroys the diodes. Proper polarity must also be observed when connecting a booster battery, positive to positive and negative to ground.

Art courtesy of Delmar - Thomson Learning.

• Coat the terminals with corrosion preventative spray, then check the job by starting the car.