2003 Corolla Starting Issue - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

miketru · 01-19-2009, 08:33 AM

My gf just got a 2003 corolla s not too long ago and she has been having issues with the battery dying overnight when it gets cold. I noticed that there have been some issues with that, but with the age of the car, the battery being in questionable condition, etc. I thought that the battery was on the fritz. So the other day I went to jump it (again) and there was no clicking or anything. We got a new battery and installed it, the connections are tight and everything - but still nothing comes on - no lights, radio nothing - even with a jump attempt. I am guessing a fuse went down or something - please tell me it is something stupid. I am not used to this car or toyotas in general (I am a Camaro man) - can someone help me or point me in the right direction please?

I forgot to mention that the other day right before she got it to jump for the last time, her and a coworker mixed up the jumper wires apparently setting off the horn or alarm. Maybe this has something to do with it?

***new echo owner*** · 01-19-2009, 09:12 AM

Did someone hook up the battery backwards when trying to jump start the car? Check the fuses, especially the main ones, either a 80A or 100A fuse, could also be larger amperage too.

N.E.O.

miketru · 01-19-2009, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by new echo owner

Did someone hook up the battery backwards when trying to jump start the car? Check the fuses, especially the main ones, either a 80A or 100A fuse, could also be larger amperage too.

N.E.O.

That what she said she did - where are those fuses, I looked by the drivers door (where they have been in every car I have owned) but there are no fuses there.

***new echo owner*** · 01-19-2009, 09:19 AM

In the engine compartment, there is a cover on it. Take a look at the owner's manual, it should give you the locations. There maybe two or more fuse boxes on the car.

Somebody did hookup the cables backward then?

N.E.O.

miketru · 01-19-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by new echo owner

In the engine compartment, there is a cover on it. Take a look at the owner's manual, it should give you the locations. There maybe two or more fuse boxes on the car.

Somebody did hookup the cables backward then?

N.E.O.

She told me they did, yea

***new echo owner*** · 01-19-2009, 10:12 AM

Blown fuses are the most common result when the battery is connected backwards, the worst case scenario is taking out the ECM. Check all the fuses, starting with the main fuses, then the smaller ones. After you have the car running, check all the electrical circuits to see which one is not working, then check the fuse for the circuit.

Do a search of the site, this is a very common issue.

N.E.O.

miketru · 01-19-2009, 11:30 PM

The 100A fuse was out, when I went to pull it out it broke so thats the next issue... Thanks again. You were a ton of help.

***new echo owner*** · 01-19-2009, 11:33 PM

Keep us posted on how it go. Post any further questions that you may have!

N.E.O.

miketru · 01-20-2009, 03:23 PM

I got the new fuse in, but not when I go to turn the key I hear one click sounds like its coming from near the glove box. I saw a question posted earlier on the thread, but it seems like the guy figured out his own problem or was never solved.

Thanks again and sorry for the stupid questions.

***new echo owner*** · 01-20-2009, 08:11 PM

It may be the Circuit Opening relay clicking behind the glove box. Are you able to start the car? Do you have a Check Engine light when cranking?

There still may have some other fuses that will need to be replaced before everything will work properly.

N.E.O.