Complete loss of Electrical Systems while driving?

Tiny
REATHERLY93
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 TOYOTA CELICA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 132,000 MILES
While driving down the road, my car had a complete loss of electrical systems. No dash lights, no instrument panel, nothing. I can still shift in and out of neutral. Battery tested fine, a little corrosion on the terminals that were cleaned but still no go. I’m not sure about the fuse blocks because I believe they are custom, but I know I have power running to them. The person who owned the vehicle before me did not take the best care of it.
Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 11:45 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Hi,

Did anything work? Are you presently getting power to any electrical component?

Because of the model year, I was only able to find an old OEM power distribution schematic. From what I see, there is an inline fuse between the battery and the fuse box. Take a look at pic 1. Check to see if there is power passing through that fuse.

Also, I attached the entire power distribution schematic below for the vehicle, so you have a reference.

Let me know what you find. Also, let me know if anything electric works. For example, the horn, headlamps, and so on.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
REATHERLY93
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I’ll take a look in the morning. I hope there still is one seeing as the fuse box is not the OEM. The previous owner took it out and replaced it with several customized fuse boxes. He did a lot of damage to the electrical system it seems.

When the power stopped working, I had no power to any electrical components. I couldn’t even raise my convertible top. Headlights, dash lights, everything was gone.
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Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Hi,

Since absolutely nothing worked, follow the wire from the battery and see which box it goes to first. The problem has to be before everything starts distributing power. Otherwise, something would work.

Let me know. Also, if you could take a few pics and upload them for me to see, it may help. However, I have no idea what was already done.

I always found it interesting that some people can design things better than engineers can that put it together. LOL

Take care and let me know.

Joe
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Friday, September 2nd, 2022 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
REATHERLY93
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
So, apparently, I was wrong. I’m not even getting power to the fuse box. I completely forgot to take pictures though I’m not sure how it would help. Brand new battery, terminal is fine, cables seem to be in good condition.

As for what happened, I was driving home from work one night, I had decided to put the top down because the weather was nice, and the car shut off. Went from working just fine to nothing at all. I even tried throwing it in a lower gear and using the momentum to push start the motor, but I had nothing. Lights and all went out.
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Friday, September 2nd, 2022 AT 10:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Hi,

If you have a chance, take a few pics. I have no idea how this was rewired. Also, there should be a power supply from the battery to the fuse box. Locate that and inspect it. Something must have failed between the two locations.

Take a look at the pics I attached above. On the 2.0L, there is a primary fuse between the battery and the fuse box. I suspect that is what has failed.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, September 2nd, 2022 AT 10:59 PM
Tiny
REATHERLY93
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for your help. I appreciate it. Unfortunately, due to events out of my control, I’ve had to suspend the repair on my car. I didn’t want to leave you hanging. I’ve been quite busy at work. I hope you have a great day sir!
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Monday, September 12th, 2022 AT 5:10 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,125 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome and thank you for the update. I appreciate you letting me know. Also, it is no problem whatsoever. If things change and I can help, let me know.

Take care of yourself and I hope all is well.

Joe
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Monday, September 12th, 2022 AT 6:26 PM

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