How long was the contact time? 2 sec.? 2 hrs.? Did you turn the ignition key to "on"? Have you any problems after attaching the "+" cable to the "-" post? ==new answer== First we need to know what it is you messed up.
thganr
just follow the positive line coming from the battery. The first component it meets should be the voltage regulator.
There is a Positive (HOT) & Negative (Ground) battery cable. There are also lots of other HOT wires that are carrying current throughout the vehicle. What exactly are you referring too? hundereds of wires get a book at advance or napa for your car
follow the negative battery cable to the frame that is usually the main ground but there are many body tied ground cables throughout the car
Your Honda Prelude might not start because of a dead battery or an empty gas tank. It may also not start due to a damaged starter or a battery that is disconnected.
under the battery
Anyplace that sells batteries can tell you the correct size battery to install.
the ticking noise is likely the fuel injectors, which you probably didn't notice before because you weren't looking for anything wrong.
The old battery should have the type written on the label under all the crud that has built up over the years.
A few causes that will make the Battery Light come on are: 1. Faulty Battery 2. Loose Battery Connection 3. Battery is not Charging, ie. Faulty Alternator
Try disconnecting the negative battery wire, leave it off for ~5 minutes, then reconnect. Start the engine. The radio should read "CODE". Using the station preset buttons (1 through 6) enter your code. Then turn the radio on. Works for my '93 Prelude; hope this helps you!
use a code reader , or take off the negative battery cable off for a few seconds & don't for get to have the radio theft code handy.. after taking off the cable hondas theft system will disable the radio .