2002 Toyota Camry, alternator and battery
Asked by MrOldCamry Oct 27, 2016 at 08:01 PM about the 2002 Toyota Camry XLE
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Replaced my alternator and battery. Installed
correctly. Went to jump start the car, while
connected I attempted to start the car and the
dash lights went on, then suddenly the guages
went haywire. The car didn't start and now it's
completely dead. Can't even jump it. Any help
would be greatly appreciated.
8 Answers
That does not sound like a correct installation to me. Did you double check everything?
You should not have needed to jump start a car with a new battery which is evidence that something was done wrong. I am guessing reverse polarity.
MrOldCamry answered 8 years ago
I didn't want to run on. This is the second battery in 1 month. It was suggested by a mechanic that when the batteries are being drained that the alternator could be going bad. So, I replaced the alternator. Replaced on a dead, one week old battery. Which was why I jumped it. The tac and speedometer guages are both stuck at 1 O'Clock
The battery drain needs to be found but I suspect you fried things with reverse polarity.
MrOldCamry answered 8 years ago
How could I have the reverse polarity. Everything was reconnected the exact way it was before I did the installation. I'm also certain I didn't reverse the polarity at the battery connection. What could I have fried? Just trting to understand
Suggest you start the diagnosis by checking Fuses. If the Owner's Manual is available..it may indicate where the Fuse/Relay Boxes are located.
The only time I have seen everything go haywire like that was on my dads Yukon. We jumped it one day and the exact same thing occurred. It was due to the battery being so dead, that it wouldn't even take a jump. Replaced with a new fully charged battery and everything returned to normal.
What was the reason for replacing the Alt. and Battery? Was there an issue of a no Crank and/or no start?
