Half the fusebox in engine bay not working

Tiny
MARVYN WHITTAKER
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 SCION TC
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 151,000 MILES
I was changing out the alternator today while I was putting everything back together, without thinking, I hooked up the negative wire back to the battery to open the trunk. I quickly removed it when I realized the hot wire that is bolted to the top of the alternator was actually touching a small bolt on the black cover of the alternator! Now my starter, radio, rear electrical systems(lights, trunk release, trunk light), aren't working and even my obdII port won't respond to the scan tool. Also my key won't open my doors. Only the remote will. I checked the fuses with a voltmeter, none blown but some are receiving no power. My dashboard info still shows, my front headlights still work though. Could you give me an idea of where to check next, what the problem might be? I'm ashamed to say this isn't my first alternator job but any help would be much appreciated. Thanks! (In the picture, the circled bolt is what the hot wire touched.)
Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 AT 7:50 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Here is the information you requested. It sounds like you burned out the fusible link. The fusible link is there in place to protect all the vehicle's electrical system components to protect all vital components in case something like this happens like connecting the car battery backwards or having the positive wires touch ground.. The fusible link is a common wire that can be purchased from any local auto parts stores or Scion -Toyota dealerships. I've attached a wiring diagram picture below showing the location of the fusible link on your Scion TC. Let us know if you have any further questions on this and we'll go from there. Here is a tutorial showing how to test electrical wiring in case this helps:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I've cut the picture into 2 pieces so you can view larger. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 12:48 AM
Tiny
MARVYN WHITTAKER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Is that main fusible link a wire or is it the white little box in the fusebox?
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Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 AT 8:01 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again,

It will be a white 12 gauge sized wire attached to the battery coming from the fuse junction box. Let us know if you have any further questions on this issue. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 AT 11:29 PM
Tiny
MARVYN WHITTAKER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Looks like it was a white cassette like case in the relay with some fuses connected to the cables. One fuse blew. It took 6 hours to fish it out without breaking a plastic clip on the relay box to open it up but it worked! Appreciate the help!
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Saturday, July 10th, 2021 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

We're glad to hear you got it taken care of. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions or need help.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, July 12th, 2021 AT 9:09 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
You're welcome!

6 hours was quite a stretch! Glad to hear you were able to fix. Thanks again for using 2CarPros and we hope you will use our site again in the future when needed.

Danny-
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Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 AT 8:28 PM

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