I Goofed (Electrical Issues) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

vant · 08-06-2010, 12:02 AM

I just got done changing my timing belt (using the lovely guides on TN), everything went well except for a few issues.

#1:
While taking the alternator off (I felt like it was easy), the ground while slipped and touched the heat shield. This created a light show which caused other problems.

The damage:
Radio has no power
Fan (Interior for AC) has no power
RPM (and possible speedo) does not work
Aftermarket alarm is showing some weird issues

Everything else is fine however (headlights,interior lights, gas needle, breaklights). I checked the fuses and they are fine (minus the ones that I'm not sure about, like the big black one). What could it be?

#2:
The power steering makes a loud screeching noise when turned too much. Before it made a slight whine but now it sounds really bad. The last time I did it I tightned the PS belt by pushing it as far as it can go with my hands and let it go back to rest so it was slightly loose. This caused that slight whine. This time I tightned it by using a pry bar and holding it while tightning it. Could it be too tight?

#3:
There is a random ticking noise coming from the timing belt cover. It went away when I did a small rev test, but it came back.

Thanks in advance for helping!

Chris Crash · 08-06-2010, 12:12 AM

PS belt is either too tight or too loose. Check tension. You'll know which it is.

Also, ALWAYS disconnect the battery when doing work, especially when removing the alternator. Sounds like you fried something up.

vant · 08-06-2010, 12:38 AM

Yup. Learned my lesson. I didn't know there was a fuse box near the battery (I only checked the interior one to the left of the steering wheel). The alternator fuse is blown. Could that be the cause of the problem? I only checked that fuse, will check the rest tomorrow.

73sport · 08-06-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vant

Yup. Learned my lesson. I didn't know there was a fuse box near the battery (I only checked the interior one to the left of the steering wheel). The alternator fuse is blown. Could that be the cause of the problem? I only checked that fuse, will check the rest tomorrow.

I'm guessing that'd be the cure. . .
I don't recall seeing these in this car but some manufactures run what's called a fuseable link which is meant to open under conditions just like that where a short between 12v and gnd occurs. These links are in the of wire usually towards the start or destination and look only like small bumps a little larger than the wire diameter itself.

If you don't have a volt/ohm meter you should grab one for trouble shooting purposes. Very handy to have! Let us know if the fuse repalcement cures it.

AliRazoR · 08-06-2010, 12:25 PM

#1: check the fuses under the hood and inside the car
#2: the power alternator belt should be much tighter than power steering

vant · 08-06-2010, 07:10 PM

Hey guys.

Just like to update on the situation.

I replaced the alternator fuse and that fixed all the electrical systems. HOWEVER, upon starting the car again it was having a very rough idle (Never happened before). The car died because of the rough idle. I started it up again and it seemed to idle OK, but then a cel code came up. P0340 or camshaft position sensor. I'm very confident that my timing belt is on perfectly, but I'll double check the timings after I get a a few parts in.

It's also important to note that as of yesterday my side engine mount has been completely off because I was waiting for the timing belt gaskets to come in. The car is not driven daily, or much at all.

Chris Crash · 08-06-2010, 07:11 PM

The camshaft position sensor probably just got knocked loose. It's right back there near the timing belt covers, check for it and tighten if necessary.

vant · 08-06-2010, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

The camshaft position sensor probably just got knocked loose. It's right back there near the timing belt covers, check for it and tighten if necessary.

Sorry to keep bothering, but where exactly? I don't remember seeing the sensor :/

I did see the crankshaft sensor which is at the very bottom towards the right. Didn't see a camshaft one though.

Chris Crash · 08-06-2010, 07:30 PM

Camshaft sensor looks kinda similar to the crankshaft sensor. If you're standing on the right hand side of the car, facing the timing belt cover, it would be pretty much at the bottom left corner where the camshaft gear itself would be. So feel around on the back of the block (might even be able to see it)

vant · 08-06-2010, 07:34 PM

Thanks Chris! Very helpful.

I'm assuming its that knob in this pic?

http://toyotarepair.intuitwebsites.c...amry5SFE_2.jpg

Looks like it's covered by the upper timing belt cover.

corolla254 · 08-06-2010, 07:43 PM

mr vant
to be on the safe side you should check your alternator for proper charging, after a slipp like that you has a good chance of frying the regulator inside. just a reminder.(auto parts store normally check it for free)ill take it to two parts stores to make sure.

Chris Crash · 08-06-2010, 07:48 PM

Yup. See that dotted line where the camshaft pulley bolts on? That circular thing directly below that is the sensor. It actually does not require removal of the covers, thankfully. You reach it from the back of the engine, next to the intake manifold.

vant · 08-06-2010, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corolla254

mr vant
to be on the safe side you should check your alternator for proper charging, after a slipp like that you has a good chance of frying the regulator inside. just a reminder.(auto parts store normally check it for free)ill take it to two parts stores to make sure.

Hi corolla, thanks for the tip. I don't think the alternator was effected since the wire was connected to the car. The alternator was disconnected when the 'oops' happened. My battery was manufactured on aug06. It has been showing swelling and corrosive damage for a while now. Might be a good time to replace it. Any brand recommendations?