QuestionQUESTION: In jump starting the solara I may have crossed the cables, although there was no sign of it at the time. My wife had left the key on in the ignition for two days and the battery was completely drained. Jumping didn't work. I had the battery charged but it still wouldn't start. The engine turns over fine but only that and the lights work. The radio does not turn on, nor the electric seat move; the horn does not work; nor does the check engine light come on. None of the dash lights come on except the open door and air bag lights. What is your diagnosis?
ANSWER: The 100 Amp alternator fuse is blown under the hood in the fuse block, it has a clear plastic cover on it for inspection, the designation is marked inside the fuse panel. This fuse is bolted in inside the fuse box, the fuse box has to be removed and opened to get to the bolts that connect the fuse in.
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QUESTION: Changed the fuse and more lights came on in the dash, but the car did not start and the radio did not work. What else do you suggest? Thanks.
ANSWER: some of the small fuses may still be blown, check all of them inside and under the hood with a testlight and the key on.
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QUESTION: Brought the car to my mechanic. The 100 amp fuse was blown as well as 4 others. He got it started and will pick it up tomorrow. Hopefully everything works again. Thanks. By the way, what is a 'testlight'?
AnswerA testlight is a simply a 12volt bulb encosed in a transparent enclosure with a pointed tip at one end and a ground wire on the other end, it is used to check for voltage at wires ,connectors and fuses to trace electrical circuits that have voltage applied.
