Electrical Problems... Please Help?!

[Danger_SSOAU]

Hey guys, I'm not sure if a problem like this has been posted before, but I'm already annoyed enough with my Camry.

Ok here's the problem. Recently my after market head unit was working intermittently and the digital clock on the dashboard was dying when i attempted to turn on the stereo, then both would die and shortly after the clock would come back on and the stereo would constantly attempt to turn on.
The wiring loom next to the accelerator had been having water leak onto it (which has caused the electrics to malfunction whenever it rains) for some time because the body had rusted behind it because the car has lived most of it's life in a seaside town.
I have recently blocked up the hole above the wiring loom so it doesn't get water on it anymore and i have dried it out.
However, when i recently removed all the wires out of that loom, I have found that most of them had build up on them which I cleaned out yesterday.
STUPIDLY I didn't remove the battery terminals when i did this, and I could hear a slight sizzle from around the battery when i removed the wires from the loom. Now the stereo and the clock do not work at all! However, everything else like the fan, instrument lights, and rear window defogger all still work fine, it's just the clock and the stereo...
I'm at a wits end with it and any help and suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys

[Mike Gerber]

As far as the clock and the stereo not working at all, along with the sizzle heard, check for a blown fuse. As far as them turning on and off on their own, check the output of the alternator. This last one is just a hunch. I have seen weak alternators periodically take out some components and then when enough juice is restored to the sytem, turn them back on. Check the alternator output with a digital volt/ohmeter. You should get readings around 14-1/2 volts if it is charging properly. Remember, this is just a hunch.

Mike

[Danger_SSOAU]

Hey man, thanks for the suggestions.
All the fuses are fine and the wires appear to be ok. I had the alternator replaced about a year ago so I don't think it's the problem.
The connector on the right kick panel (left hand in your case in the USA) had a broken connection on the plug that the stereo and a few other things use. I'll post up a photo soon.

[Danger_SSOAU]

It turned out to be the broken connection that was causing so much headaches. Makes sense that it was cutting out then didn't work when i pulled the plug (pardon the pun). I replaced the entire fusebox for one from the wreckers. I cannot describe my excitement when the clock and the stereo fired up when I was done.
Steven - 1 Camry - 0

Here is a photo of the connection.