83 Camry w/No Power to Ignition - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jermforchrist · 03-09-2009, 04:20 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have been searching through the archives and I cannot seem to find something that would help me, so here goes.

I have an 83 Camry LE Liftback (just bought a few months ago with just over 100K miles) that I just replaced the battery on (old battery would not turn the starter but would dimly power the interior). After putting in the new battery I get no power to the interior. I can turn on the headlights and flashers, but nothing else (even when turning the key to acc and start/on). I have check every fuse and they all look good.

Is there some other area I need to look at next? I was thinking I would take the ignition lock out and test that, but I was not sure if that was a good next step. Any help or pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeremy

***toyomoho*** · 03-09-2009, 04:57 PM

Did you check the fusible links in the engine compartment.

jermforchrist · 03-09-2009, 07:37 PM

Yeah, they were good too (a little dirty, but that was it). I should have mentioned that part too, sorry...

Doctor J · 03-09-2009, 09:24 PM

Get the test light and check
the power at the ignition switch 'battery' terminal

jermforchrist · 03-14-2009, 07:05 PM

Ok - Maybe I did not understand where that is.

Here is what I looked at; on the steering column and on the right is the wiring to the ignition. At this point, I do not have a manual so I am not totally sure what each wire is for. However, the one labeled ACC never had power, and I assume that it should have when the key was turned partially.

I did turn the key and checked and I did find power constantly to one, and two others received power as I turned the key.

Any ideas for a next step?

Mike Gerber · 03-15-2009, 11:14 AM

"I can turn on the headlights and flashers, but nothing else"

Is it possible that you or someone else crossed the terminals when installing the new battery? If this is the case, this would blow the (usually 80 AMP) alternator fuse, creating the condition you are now experiencing. Double check that fuse.

Also, here is a link where you can download the generation 1 Toyota factory service manual:

http://www.camrystuff.com/

Mike

jermforchrist · 03-15-2009, 03:16 PM

I did have a friend try to jump the car before I got the new battery and I think he crossed the jumper cables, so this is a possibility.

I tried the link, but the Gen 1 is 'Coming Soon.'

Since I do not have the manual yet, can you tell me where the alternator fuse is (I did not find one in either fuse locations)? Is there one on the alternator itself?

I will do a little more digging around in the car later today...

Mike Gerber · 03-15-2009, 07:09 PM

Sorry, I don't remember where it is on the generation 1. I used to own an 86 Camry, but that was a few years ago. It will be a big fuse about 3 times the size of the normal size fuses. It is usually bolted in on the side of the fuse box on other Toyotas I have seen. If this is the case on the generation 1, you may have to disassemble the fuse box to get to the bolt. If my memory is correct, the bolt will have an 8MM hex head.

Mike

Doctor J · 03-16-2009, 12:23 PM

check ign and engine fuse

jermforchrist · 03-20-2009, 10:45 AM

Hey Guys - Thanks for the input. I had checked all the fuses, so I knew that was not a problem.

As for the alternator fuse, I could not find it. However, when tracing wires to see if I could locate it I found that there was a 14 gauge wire that comes off the battery and fusible link that had broken. I did not notice this sooner because the sheath around the wire was intact. After removing the sheath I found that the PO had attempted to repair this wire and did a poor job, thus the break. I replaced most of the wire and the car started right up.

...now i just need to figure out why the door light is remaining on.

Thanks again for the input and help!