AboutTed Ritter Expertise I have more than 26 years experience as toyota technician, I will be able to answer most questions related to the toyota product line up to the present year models, I specialize in difficult to diagnose problems but when posting a question please keep in mind that some situations require the used of special test equipment and diagnostic procedures especially as the newer models become more technologically advanced, so without actually having the car on hand I may only be able to try to steer you in the right direction and in some cases may have to refer you to the toyota dealer but at least you will know what you may be dealing with. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, I will have an answer for you in most cases. When posting a question keep in mind that I reside in the US, although I get questions from all over the world I may not have an answer for models that are not sold in the US, I will do a reasonable search to try to match your model to the US model,please refrain from asking about diesel powered vehicles, I have no information for them. In most cases I will not answer questions about major modifications of OEM components, engine swapping or aftermarket products,please post a question not a statement, please provide enough basic information such as year, model, what engine and if anything has already been done to fix the problem, the more information I get the more I can help without having to ask you more questions.
Experience Toyota technician since 1979,expert in electrical systems,OBD systems,engine repair, driveability problems,EFI systems,ASE certified,Toyota master technician. Certified Hybrid Vehicle technician.
Education/Credentials Toyota master technician, ASE certified in eight catagories, Hybrid vehicle certified.
Question QUESTION: My mother-in-laws 1991 Camry wouldn't start one day so I was called into the rescue. I check the usual problems and have narrowed it down to the alternator fuse. I replaced it and it blew immediately. I replaced another after disconnecting the alternator itself and it blew again. Any ideas on what's causing it to short out? What steps can I take to narrow down the problem?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: There are two alternator fuses, is it the 7.5 amp or the larger 80 amp?
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: It's the larger 80 amp coming off the positive battery cable.
Answer Disconnect the positive cable from the starter, be sure it does not touch any metal parts, disconnect the battery first then the starter connector and insulate it, then reconnect the battery and see if the fuse stops blowing, what I'm getting at is that I believe that the starter may be shorted internally.
