No power when key is off

[shamrock]

As the title states, no power when ignition off... this includes headlights....could this be a fuse? I haven't looked too hard yet, but where the hell is the fuse panel in a '97 Camary?? Yes, I know.. sounds like a stupid question, but no garage, and do not feel like rooting around in the freezing weather.

[shamrock]

not even a smart ass remark??? come on guys, help a fella out

[uibalnme]

There are 2 fuse blocks in the engine compartment



One behind the coin tray(at least that's how it is in my 96, should be the same for yours though)



Hope this helps.

[shamrock]

right on, thanks

[dc_98_cam]

Headlights might be 40A Main fuse .... what else works or doesn't work?

[shamrock]

Nothing works once the key is off....the power windows should work when the key is off until you open the doors, and the power door locks do not work either. If it was the main fuse (40 amp) for the headlights, they wouldn't work at all...but they do as long as the key is turned on....also, the clock (which is seperate from the radio) looses power as well and will not keep time, always comes back to 1:00, but when the key is on it will keep time correctly, until you shut the car off..This is why I am thinking that it must be a fuse, or something....I could be wrong though

[dc_98_cam]

There is a 60 sec timer that powers the windows after the key is off .... might be for the locks also ... not sure. After 60 sec., windows won't work.

[dc_98_cam]

What is the status of your battery ... new? old? ... you probably have very cold weather there. Have you had your battery checked lately? .... They have testers to determine if it is storing enough charge ... or is weak.

[shamrock]

Yeah, there is a 60 second timer, but this is immediately after the car has been shut off. To be honest, never checked the battery, but this has been going on for a couple of weeks now, and the car has never hesitated to start, even on the cold mornings, so I just figured the battery was good. It is definitely something to look into though.....

[shamrock]

Anyone know where I could find an online owner's manual??

[toyomoho]

Determine what works when the key is on. The 40A fuse headlight fuse ties into the circuit just after the fusible link to the battery. This fusible link supplies power to all circuits expects starter circuits. The headlights and taillights will work regardless if the key is on or off.

Could be this fusible link is blown as the ignition key would still control the starter circuits.

Download the Gen_3 wiring diagram from the link below (the Gen_4 listed is for a 2002).

http://www.camrymanuals.com/

[dc_98_cam]

http://www.camrymanuals.com/index.ph...=107&topicid=0
You can find a wiring diagram here ... also helps sometimes with parts location.

Not sure about owner's manual ....probably available somewhere.
....Also .... check your battery terminals .... could easily be corrosion..... but your description doesn't actually fit anything that I recognize.

[shamrock]

thanks guys, I appreciate all your help... it is a bit of a confusing thing to me too, not something I have run across before, hence the reason I posted it on here Thanks again, if anyone else has any insight on this, I would appreciate it. Tonight, I am going to check everything that was suggested above, I'll let yas know how it goes.

[Kep]

Sounds like there is something wrong with the 60 sec. timer mechanism. Your car is acting like an older one that didn't have the timer.

Kep

[shamrock]

that's what it seems like.. something with the 60 second timer, but if that were the case, the clock would function normally, correct? and the headlights would turn on even if you didn't have the key in the ignition.....checked the battery last night and its fine...any other suggestions guys?