No electrical stuff working in my car

Tiny
KSHYENT
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 NISSAN ALTIMA
A while ago i put the battery in wrong now in my defense both the cords were red so i wasn't sure which went where and i tried to start it and i saw smoke and smelt something burnt like and it was coming from the stereo area i checked and replace some of the fuses but none of the electrical appliance ( a.c,radio,power lock/windows,signal,brakes wipers & horn) The alternator is also bad but i dont think that's the problem because before hand the alternator was bad and the stuff worked today i looked and saw there was about 3-4 wires ( orange,white,red,black) loose that were coming from the horn and looked as tho was suppose to be connected to the fuse panel inside the car .Can anyone help me and tell me what to do other than call a electrician i dont have the funds and i cant find a job so maybe we can tackle it together i know my way a bit around a car u can email me or send me your email address and i would respond THANKS in advance


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/361402_DSCN5753_1.jpg

Saturday, July 17th, 2010 AT 1:33 AM

15 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi kshyent,

Check the fusible links underhood. Those are the main fuses and reverse connections of the battery would blow those fuses first.

Are there any components that is working?
Get an ohmmeter and/or test lamp to facilitate testings.
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Saturday, July 17th, 2010 AT 5:33 PM
Tiny
KSHYENT
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Sometimes the air conditioner would come on and the horn would sometimes too but thats very rare havent turned back on for about a month or two
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Saturday, July 24th, 2010 AT 3:50 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Are you able to start the engine?
How do you know the alternator is bad?
Have you checked the fuses and ground circuit connections?
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Saturday, July 24th, 2010 AT 8:44 AM
Tiny
KSHYENT
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  • 8 POSTS
Yes, the engine does start once the battery isn't dead.

I know the alternator is bac because the battery dies a good much.

And no I haven't checked the ground circuits maybe you can instruct me on how to do that
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Saturday, July 24th, 2010 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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After starting, get the charging rate checked first. If the alternator is charging but not getting to the battery, the problem is similar.

Is the cahrging indicator showing in the dash when engine is running?

Does it show when ignition is turned on?

You need to get the charging system fault resolved first as it can cause lighting and electrical component faults.
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Saturday, July 24th, 2010 AT 11:27 PM
Tiny
KSHYENT
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
No nothing in the dashboard work none of the indicators. And the alternator was always bad but the electrical stuff just stoped working after the battery being put on incorrectly and then the smoke came from inside the car
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Saturday, July 24th, 2010 AT 11:59 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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This indicatres a power supply failure.

Main power supply is to Fuse E ( 100 A) in fusible link biox at left side of engine compoartment.

Use a test lamp to test fuse A, B, C and D for battery voltage. If no voltage are available, check Fuse E.
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Sunday, July 25th, 2010 AT 12:44 AM
Tiny
KSHYENT
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
So even though my car still starts when a charged battery is in. The main fuse which im guessing is the battery fuse can be broken and when I was testing the fuses a while back I saw that it didn't light up but the car started so I just figured it was the test light
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Sunday, July 25th, 2010 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
KSHYENT
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Okayi checked the main power supply fusewith atest lamp its okay and also my car starts so it can't be the 100 a fuse If you need anymore information or need me to take pictures of the fuse boxes the one in the car and in the hood I can
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Sunday, July 25th, 2010 AT 1:55 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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We don't need any pictures yet and I guess we have to get to serious and step by step trouble shooting.

Is battery voltage present at all the fuses A, B, C and D?

Which of the following components works?

1. Headlights.
2. A/C blower.
3. Hazard lights.
4. Horns.
5. Brake lights.
6. Park/taillights.

Engine could be started with aid of jumper, with key or by jumping the starter solenoid?

Have you checked the ground circuit connections? Especially those behind the headlights on the inner fender.
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Sunday, July 25th, 2010 AT 2:57 PM
Tiny
KSHYENT
  • MEMBER
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The Headlights work fine.
The Breaklights work fine.
Also, the park/taillights work fine

everything else mentioned isnt working at all
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Sunday, July 25th, 2010 AT 3:27 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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Do you have battery voltage at Fuse A?

At ignition switch, check for battery voltage at the White/Blue wire with ignition switch turned ON.

Do you have battery voltage at Fuse # 1, # 2, # 9, # 10, # 13 and # 19 in underdash fuse box?
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Sunday, July 25th, 2010 AT 4:18 PM
Tiny
BILLGRANDPA
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
My car is doing same thing but tail lights stay on all the time
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Friday, September 27th, 2019 AT 5:25 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,271 POSTS
Do you have battery voltage at Fuse # 1, # 2, # 9, # 10, # 13 and # 19 in under dash fuse box?

This guide can help with the fuse locations below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Sunday, September 29th, 2019 AT 12:48 PM

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