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Will not start after connecting the battery incorrectly

Tiny
SOLO7499
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 TOYOTA CELICA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 115,000 MILES
So, I connected my battery the wrong way and my car won't start. Whenever I do my dash keeps flickering and I replaced my ECUand all the bad fuses. Is my alternator out too? My 120 fuse is still intact and doesn't look burnt or anything.
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Friday, January 15th, 2021 AT 11:34 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,310 POSTS
Hi,

Is the starter engaging or not? Also, have you checked fusible links and the 40 amp engine fuse in the underhood fuse box?

I addition to checking the fuse, make sure there is power to and from it. Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Let me know. Also, make sure to let me know if the starter is engaging. If it isn't, will the vehicle start by bump starting it?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, January 16th, 2021 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
SOLO7499
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
The starter just clicks and I ordered a new one. I replaced my alternator and that was not the problem.
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Sunday, January 17th, 2021 AT 10:48 AM
Tiny
SOLO7499
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I checked the fuses and my fuel pump fuse went out and replaced it also.
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Sunday, January 17th, 2021 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,310 POSTS
If the starter still clicks, try switching the starter relay to see if it makes a difference. However, since you are getting a clicking, chances are the starter is damaged.

I attached a pic of the starter relay below to help you locate it. If there is another relay in the box with the same part number, switch them to see if it changes things. If there isn't a relay to switch, here is a link that shows how to test a relay:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 12:45 PM
Tiny
SOLO7499
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Okay, so I changed out the starter and now it doesn't click and I have the same issue.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,310 POSTS
Hi,

Are you sure all terminals (at battery and starter) are clean and tight?

If you now get nothing, that makes no sense.

Follow this link and see if power is getting to the starter motor:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

______________________

Also, I attached a pic below from the wiring schematic. Check the fuses I highlighted and check the wire I circled at the clutch switch. It should have power when the key is on. In addition to checking the fuse, make sure there is power to and from the fuses.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know.
Joe
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
SOLO7499
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
So basically I replaced the battery twice, the starter, and the alternator. Now when I turn it on the radio doesn't work and when I turn the key once only the airbag symbol shows and when I try to start it. It beeps for a couple of seconds and the dash flickers and the only thing that is flickering is the red battery symbol and the airbag symbol and I don't hear the starter clicking anymore after I replaced it. I will recheck all the engine bay fuses again and I will keep you updated.
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Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
SOLO7499
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Okay, so I cleaned some fuses out and now my starter rapidly clicks and that's all.
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Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 AT 12:56 PM
Tiny
SOLO7499
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Don't know if this helps.
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Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 AT 1:00 PM
Tiny
SOLO7499
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Oh okay, so when I had the computer connected the starter clicked and when I don't have it connected it doesn't click?
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Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 AT 1:02 PM
Tiny
SOLO7499
  • MEMBER
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Also I did have my alarm installed recently too.
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Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 AT 1:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,310 POSTS
Hi,

I watched your video. I saw the lights flashing. Are you certain that all fuses are good, and there are no wiring issues? Also, are you certain the AM 2 fuse I indicated above? Please note only check the fuse but make sure there is power to it. A fusible link powers it. A fusible link functions as a fuse but looks like a wire. Very easily it could have blown.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
SOLO7499
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Fuse looks good.
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
SOLO7499
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I'll check if there is power going I need to buy w fuse kit.
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,310 POSTS
All you will need is a test light. Let me know what you find. Also, keep in mind that the fuse can look good but not have continuity. Basically, power can't go through it.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 AT 8:01 PM

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