Hi All -- was driving to work yesterday and my alternator light came on, gauges stopped working, and turn signals stopped working. I went and had the alternator tested at the shop and they said I need a new one. Put it in, but the problem didn't go away. So, I started checking fuses -- fuse 8 (15A, driver kick panel) was blown. So, drove back to the store, bought some fuses, and the problem went away. Driving to work this morning, same thing happens -- alternator light, no gauges, no turn signals. Any advice on troubleshooting this electrical problem? Why would I keep blowing this fuse?

Thanks in advance.

Matt

 

Start following along the wire that connects to the fuse and look for a place it could be shorting out, such as an area where the insulation on the wire has come off.

 

Thanks for the tip. Another question, then: since this fuse is on the driver's side kick panel, do you know where the wires enter the engine compartment? As you can tell, I am new to this....

 

Nope, haven't ripped into my interior yet. I'd assume it probably enters through the firewall somewhere.

 

I just dealt with this same problem for 2 weeks. Same exact symptoms, although my alt tested fine but would still blow the fuse. Number 8 is be your 'engine' fuse which feeds in from the alt red wire. If you have a multimeter you can check that red wire at the alt and see if it's grounded before you start digging into all those wires. Saved me some time. My issue, I'm pretty sure, was that the regulator was shot and giving the system a power surge and blowing the fuse. Swapped in a spare alt I had and so far after a week it's been great.

 

You're talking about the red wire on the screw terminal on top of the alternator?

Also, note that I blew the fuse both before and after I replaced the alternator -- it sounds like your problem went away after you changed alternators? Or am I misunderstanding? Also, no to be too dumb here, but what's the regulator? I'm learning this stuff as I go.

Thanks again.

 

Don't know if it will help much but read through my thread and see if something catches your eye

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120...inkers-229873/

 

Yes, that red wire. I tried to follow it but of course it wraps around the front of the truck and then disappears into all those other wires under the fuse box next to the battery and into the fender. I took the wire off from the alt and first did a continuity test between that and a good grounding point on the block. I didn't get any results so then I turned the key to 'on' so that power was running through it and tried a resistance test. Nothing, so I knew it wasn't grounded anywhere.

 

Nice thread -- I'm still digesting it. Don't know why it didn't come up when I searched. Do you still need the fuse diagram for your 1986? I have the original owner's manual and could scan the fuse diagrams and descriptions -- indeed, fuse #8 controls the discharge light, turn signals, and gauges.

 

I was actually able to get a diagram from an auto electric place here in town but thanks for the offer. I'll try to help as much as I can. I know how frustrating this electrical crap is.

 

Same symptoms, recently washed front engine, came to a sudden stop charge lite came on. Replaced engine fuse, was a 20amp, with correct 15. Day later rain moisture, after some riding, and engine off, started back up, lite back on, fuse blown. Here I am, gonna check things out.

 

I have the 1986 Toyota "Orange' shop manual .If there is something you might need to find out, I am more than happy to look it up or send a scanned page if needed. I am at a loss at electrical issue. I parts canon until I fix them or find a work around.

 

<cringe> ^^