There are multiple electric issues after I let someone attempt to install an aftermarket stereo

Tiny
JORDAN BURNS
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD TAURUS
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 2,000,000 MILES
In doing so he also cut the factory wiring behind the radio remote in the dash. However, now I have no window power, no instrument cluster nor is my battery being charged. The car will start right up but shuts off from battery use. I checked all the fuses that I thought would help, changed relays and alternator as well as the battery twice. What is the difference between a two and a three-wire alternator? Can you please help me?
Thursday, April 7th, 2022 AT 3:39 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

This doesn't sound good. LOL I need you to do me a favor. First, I want you to check a fuse related to the alternator. Now, in addition to checking the condition of the fuse, I need you to confirm power is present to and from the fuse. You could have a good fuse, but a heavy-duty fuse upstream from the one being checked may have failed.

If you look below, I attached the wiring schematic for the charging system. I want you to check fuse 126 in the battery junction block. Again, confirming power to it is as important as the fuse itself.

Let me know. Also, if you have already checked the fuses related to the windows and cluster, check them for power as well.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

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

Let me know what you find. Also, I need to know if the other non-functional items have power or not so I can look through the power distribution schematics.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Thursday, April 7th, 2022 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
JORDAN BURNS
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Hey Joe, I did as you said, and I do have power to the fuse for the alternator but not the windows. I made a diy fuse link and the alternator is charging, however now I'm wondering if that is safe and if so, how can I direct the power to everything else? Also, I believe I have a coolant leak. Can you help me on what part to replace or fix for that issue also? I really need help because I love the car, I just need to get these few things fixed.
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Friday, April 8th, 2022 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not familiar with a dyi fuse link. What did you do? I always err on the side of caution when it comes to electrical issues and question many things. LOL

As far as the leak, absolutely we can help. However, I need you to start a new link on that topic. We try to keep the threads specific to one topic, so they are more helpful to others. I hope you understand. Here is the link to start a new thread:

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, April 8th, 2022 AT 9:32 PM
Tiny
JORDAN BURNS
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
  • 2001 FORD TAURUS
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 2,000,000 MILES
Hey Joe, to respond, I did a diy ( do it yourself) fuse link where I ran a positive wire with fuse from the alternator to the battery and a negative wire from the alternator ground to the battery, it's charging now. Is this safe and can I run it to everything else?
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Saturday, April 9th, 2022 AT 12:12 PM (Merged)

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