95 Toyota Camry will not crank

[mwdenman]

New to the site so please be kind. I replaced an alternater on a friends 95 camry a couple of weeks ago and ever since then the car may or maynot crank. When it cranks it runs fine but now the car will not crank at all. Checked the ignition swith with a new one and same results. The car has an after market alarm which ties into the ignition swith but the car cranked one time with the main alarm controller removed.

When the key is turned it is completely dead, no accessory lites on dash, no fans, nothing. Battery is charged.

Anyone with any ideas. Please help, this thing is making me pull my hair out and there is not much left.

[Mike Gerber]

Since I assume you removed the battery cable(s) before changing the alternator, I would start looking there for the problem. Make sure the battery posts/cable connections are clean and tight. They need to be shinny clean. You can get a battery post/terminal cleaner for a few dollars at most auto parts stores. I recommend trying one of those.

Mike

[mwdenman]

Thanks for the reply Mike.

I'm sorry to say but the battery did not get disconnected until the hot cable to the alternator sparked when I removed it. At that point I noticed that my partner had not disconnected yet.

Do you think that might have shorted something, although the car did start after the alternator install but has been intermittent since.

Battery post and clamps are clean and in good shape.

Thanks

[Mike Gerber]

"Do you think that might have shorted something, although the car did start after the alternator install but has been intermittent since."

It certainly could have. Although I find the intermittent part strange, I would check all fuses. Your car should have a high amp alternator fuse. Be sure to check that one.

Mike

[mwdenman]

All good. Got a test lite last night and started at the ignition switch, found that the main power into the switch was dead and started back from there. Found a loose connection at the engine compartment fuse and relay box. Corrected the connection and she cranked right up.

Thanks for the help.

[Mike Gerber]

Glad you found the problem and that it was an easy fix. Thanks for reporting back with the solution.

Mike