1995 Toyota Camry Electrical Short

Tiny
HPI
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 181,000 MILES
My 95 Camry LE has an electrical problem that affects various circuits and the charging system.
First, the fuse for the power windows and A/C blew. After replacing the fuse, it blew again when I lowered a window while the A/C was on. (It doesn't blow unless I use the circuit.) Then, the battery died and wouldn't keep a charge. I replaced the battery, but after driving a few miles, the automatic transmission wouldn't shift up from 1st gear. After turning on a blinker, the car died and had no power to restart.
The plug on the back of the alternator looked a little corroded, so I replaced it. But, after jump starting the car, it died a minute later and had no power left in the battery. Obviously, the alternator is not charging the battery. So, I removed the alternator and had the auto parts store check it. It passed the electrical test twice.
I've verified continuity on all the fuses by the driver's side kick plate and checked the plug connections on the passenger's side under the dash. Everything there seems fine.
The battery is new and the terminals look good. Why wouldn't the alternator be charging the battery and how do I trace a potential short in the electrical system?
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Wednesday, October 9th, 2013 AT 5:54 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
We need to check a couple things. First, we need to check if there is an external draw on the battery when everything is off. Here are directions for checking for electrical draws.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Next, since you had the alternator tested and it is good, check to see if there is power making it to the battery. Use this procedure to check this.

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

If there is now power getting to the battery (and the alt is good), then you need to check the fusible link between the battery and alternator. If it is bad, no power can get to the battery regardless of the condition of the alternator, The main fusible link is a black wire near the battery. I have attached an electrical schematic for you to review.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, October 9th, 2013 AT 6:34 PM

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