When smoke appears..it's never good..HELP!

dukebluerog · 08-24-09, 06:47 PM

In all my excitement that I was going to the 40 some new juice, my idiotic self hooked up the battary backwards (- to + and + to -) doh!!...needless to say I knew something was wrong when I saw smoke coming up from the alternator (fried)..battary still has juice (tested) but I figured I fried something other than alternator b/c nothing comes on (no lights, nothing)...wondering if I can coax a brethern from the Charlotte/University/Concord area to help me figure out this bonehead mystery..I am not savvy with this project but would so much like to get it rolling...can offer burgers and beer for help...thanks in advance for your feedback and comments...all comments are welcomed!!..

72rockcruiser · 08-24-09, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukebluerog

In all my excitement that I was going to the 40 some new juice, my idiotic self hooked up the battary backwards (- to + and + to -) doh!!...needless to say I knew something was wrong when I saw smoke coming up from the alternator (fried)..battary still has juice (tested) but I figured I fried something other than alternator b/c nothing comes on (no lights, nothing)...wondering if I can coax a brethern from the Charlotte/University/Concord area to help me figure out this bonehead mystery..I am not savvy with this project but would so much like to get it rolling...can offer burgers and beer for help...thanks in advance for your feedback and comments...all comments are welcomed!!..

I think the fusable link will protect that, but I could be wrong.

I may be thinking of too new of vehicles though.

Let me make some calls tomorrow, I know some Toyota/Lexus master techs.

lt1fire · 08-24-09, 07:20 PM

Start with looking for any fusable links, all fuses, voltage regulator, etc..... Check all your wires as doing this can actually melt them. Even if the alt is fried you still should be able to start with a good battery (it just won't charge it)

dukebluerog · 08-24-09, 08:27 PM

we did check the fuses..wires..etc..all were good..we then checked things starting from the battary down to the starter and when we checked the starter..nothing...being a novice, still, I am perplexed..

dukebluerog · 08-25-09, 07:20 PM

tried unsuccessfully to mess under the hood tonight...discouraging to say the least...nothing is happening...not turning over, nothing....depression to set in soon...followed by isolation and then mania...

lt1fire · 08-25-09, 07:27 PM

Have you checked the starter??

S4Cruiser · 08-25-09, 08:20 PM

Have you checked the voltage regulator? I smoked the ground wire on mine a few days ago but pulled it and it still looked ok. Lights and radio work....but I'm chasing a no start too. I'm pretty sure it's bad battary and alternator grounds based on some changes and newly painted brackets.

Good luck - IH8OLDELETRICALSYSTEMS