96 camry complete electrical failure

[bartfac]

Tried to start my 96 V-6 and it went normal through ignition on. At start, it went dead. No electrical to any system: lights, horn etc. I suspect a main breaker or fuse. Is there one and where. The battery terminals are tight and clean. !2.78 volts. BTW, it has a theft deterent system.

[dc_98_cam]

Certain battery defects cause it to hold a sort of surface charge, where it reads 12.6 or so volts, but in fact is not storing a sufficient amount of electrical energy to start the car... Might be worth the effort to remove the battery, take it to a parts store for testing.
If you choose to examine the main fuse, it has been described as a box with clasps, located on the driver side fender wall, inside the engine compartment, underneath the air intake or battery tray area .... Not sure if it is actually a fuse, or is a fusible link.
Seems like it was 120A rating.... If you want to look at the Gen 3 wiring diagram pdf, it is in the downloadable Gen 3 online repair manual at the top section of the forum page.

How old is the battery?

Another battery test, if you think it is still good, is to find a length of wire, maybe #12 gage or larger, and jump from the +pos terminal to the starter motor terminal ... You should observe the starter motor making some kind of effort to turn over.

[bartfac]

Originally Posted by dc_98_cam

How old is the battery?

Another battery test, if you think it is still good, is to find a length of wire, maybe #12 gage or larger, and jump from the +pos terminal to the starter motor terminal ... You should observe the starter motor making some kind of effort to turn over.

Thanks for the reply. The battery is less than a year old and has been cranking the car vigorously. It had been driven an hour earlier with no sign of a prblem. If it were weak, it would at least give a faint light. It was working and then suddenly there was no power. I suspect the main fuse and will look there for it in the morning. Regards, Bill