TOYOTA RAV4 BATTERY JUMPED BACKWARDS

Today I'm working on a 2013 Toyota Rav4 that had the battery boosted or jumped backwards. The reverse polarity caused a few fuses to blow but most importantly the 120 amp alternator fuse burned. In this video I attempt to explain how to replace the blown alternator fuse that is integrated or bolted into the fuse box. I hope this video helps anyone dealing with the same problem. Hopefully I help anyone trying to troubleshoot or diagnose these type of issues.
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[@fredrikschlyter4331]

I watched this video a long time ago and meant to leave a comment then. It slipped my mind, but I think it's important to set some things straight. I apologize if other comments have already addressed this. The key here is the fusible link. Parts of the car's electronics are fed from the battery side and other parts are fed from the alternator side. If the link is open and you energize the alternator side when the engine is running, the alternator wakes up and maintains 14V on that part of the system. Of course, if you cycle the key, you lose the 14V again. The problem here is that the alternator is working without a battery to soak up spikes and ripple. It's well known that you should not operate a modern car without a battery. Further, if you know or suspect that the car was jumped backwards, the first thing to do is check the fusible line with an ohm meter or, as done in the video, with a voltmeter. If the link is open, replace it before doing anything else, such as energizing the alternator side.

[@Amor-Fati.]

Thank you.. I need all the info i can get. My car starts but wont drive over 20 miles per hour, then i shut it off wont start for another couple of hours by itself.? I dunno if you will see this, any suggestions

[@thuglifescorpion]

This is entry level repair which is overlooked 9 out of 10 times by most dealers. There first step would be replace the battery and alternator (because battery light is on). Then, after spending 1000 dollars of your money, are either lost or check the fuses and even then would try to sell you a complete new fusebox assembly because the manual states it's a none serviceable component.

[@armgod1]

true!

[@debrajohnson4871]

I really love your real life hands on video and the way u go about finding the electrical problems

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thank you! I truly appreciate your support!

[@mnmarlin6074]

Nice diagnosis. Lots of guys would have jumped to replacing the ECU knowing it had reverse polarity.

[@punker4Real]

they smarted up a bit they have idiot protection but the other stuff did not.. I see the alternator being replaced in the future though

[@MarleeKreative]

Have exactly the same issue with my daughters 2009 Rav4. She broke down yesterday, possibly due to dead/dying battery, her 'friend' turned up before I did, jumped the car and killed it. This is the best vid I have seen that not only shows the cause of jumping backwards, but also how to pull that stupid fuse box apart, Bolted in fuse, Only Toyota would do that. Thank you for the awsome hints..

[@sheekdude11550]

Life saver... My fuse was blown but was unable to see it through the fuse window. Thanks a lot!

[@luisescalante1420]

Thanks bro, you saved me from taking the car to a workshop and possibly spending money unnecessarily. My 2015 Rav4 Limited had the same problem, but with your video I solve it.

[@luisescalante1420]

Ps. I bought a new battery anyway, the 120A fuse and some other blown fuses

[@paulc2548]

Wow, thank you for sharing the video. What a pain in the rear end just to replace a "big" blown fuse. It should have been designed a little better to be a little less painful to replace. Great video.

[@scottcol23]

120A fuses are usually bolted in. Thats why they are called "fused links". They are not really meant to be serviced by the customer. They are just a safety measure that protects against major damage in the event of reversing the polarity on a battery or jumper cables. But yes, this is a horrible design on Toyota's part. I have done fuse links on a Honda before and it was simple compared to this contraption haha.

[@osmanmemisevic2164]

Excellent approach to fixing the problem. Well done!

[@luisacevedo324]

Just found your channel and gotta say.... Great video brother.. I think you'll go a long way in the tube.... Got me... Good shit ...

[@josephmiztli8069]

You are right this is a great channel.

[@tonyandconniejohnson6915]

Thank you so much for this video repair. It was exactly what I needed. Couldn’t have repaired my car without it.

[@adebayofaleye7510]

Good morning sir Mr Tony am so sorry for disturbing you but i need a job am from benin republic but Working in Nigeria with mikano international as automobile electrician and Air conditioner but am still looking for a job outside the country if you need some body who Can work with you and still learn some things from you please help me

[@lanehyche8757]

Not sure how many hours you spent on this, but you helped me do it in 45 minutes without having access to the manual. Thanks.

[@fw1421]

Boy,they couldn’t have designed it to be more difficult! Great fix video!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MrEvo07250]

Good Diagnosis. Keep up the work. Looking forward for more videos.

[@abbasmohammed1306]

Good job you have done here. I wish you the best in your life Eric. never back up, you are the best.

[@Firecul]

When you used the power probe to feed the fuse box voltage this gave the alternator enough power to excite the windings and activate. From that point the alternator was powering the rest of the car. Sometimes you can rev the engine and it can self excite.

[@alialix2076]

Good work and good explanation Eric, Thanks man.

[@matthewwood7245]

Just had this happen yesterday to my wife's Rav4. Guy at work jumped backwards and no radio,no throttle response. Had towed to mechanic shop. Told me 470 bucks for new electronic throttle body. I asked if he checked 120 and other fuses. I also stated I wanted my old throttle body parts. Guess what lo? It was now fuses only. Thanks for the video and good info!

[@scottcol23]

I hate scummy shops. Makes me wonder how many people they have scammed.

[@joemclino9130]

Great video, very informative, thank you for uploading. In fact I am Licensed Master Electrician and used battery Jumped backwards :))) shame on me. This video really helped me and did the job.

[@frankbiz]

Great job troubleshooting. 👍🏻

[@carlosvides2934]

Brother, you don't know what this video helped me... thank you very much...

[@TechInspected]

Nice and thorough, with clear explanations!

[@lyfandeth]

IIRC Toyota calls those "fusible link blocks" or something similar, they do not refer to them as fuses. Most auto chain clerks will have no idea what you need, if you just for a fuse.

[@nihonkokusai]

Dealerfuse

[@8power0]

THE VIDEO WAS FANTASTIC , THANKS AND PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING !

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I’m working on it. Thanks for watching!

[@daddywaddy8781]

Another great video. Amazing how you make it look so easy diagnosing whts wrong with the car 🚘.

[@Lumixster]

Great video to mate, Very professional , I was having my toast and coffee while watching :D

[@markferraro5250]

great job Eric excellent methodology better a fusible link take one for the team than a pricey PCM keep em coming

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thank you for watching!

[@TRINI123A]

Nice video. I like the way you tracked down the issue.

[@joet4806]

Thank you! Good Teaching Skills!

[@rdaleyj1]

Man great video as I am having the same issue except while tightening the exhaust manifold bolt I accidently grounded to the alternator stud and now I have the blown 120A fuse and several systems not working including no power at the dlc connector. Thnx for the good video.

[@chippi09]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing sir !

[@CubasAutomotive]

Escuchando Reggaetón... love it! Good music for work. Lol 😅 Looked like a fun job!

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Yes! Haha!

[@hdrk59]

What a pain....good job I've learned something ..thank you

[@michaelzernie7092]

Nice fix man. Very useful info!

[@donnierobertson3088]

Great job again like always

[@felixbanq3808]

great job my freind good trouble shooting very good explanation how to locate the electrical problem thanks a lot hope you go l long way in the future

[@billrimmer5596]

I like the small battery too. The jump packs r a pain. U have to press a button. Then maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t. Battery is consistent.

[@feeneysmechanical6215]

Great video and great work.

[@hitone4319]

Subscribed!!! I have 80% same issue O7 LS460. One would think that after paying so much for the car toyota would put RED CABLE on + connector. Here I am with no dash lights, except for Door Ajar light. No Crank and No Start Start button dimly lit and not responding, Key Fob not aknowledged Windows halfway down, Radio not working, Wipers not working. new X-tool D7 scanner cant complete Auto Scan over 94%, Lights work fine, battery is discharging and at the accelerated rate too, during scanning attempts now, likely due to scanner draw. Tomorrow will try YOUR way, besides what do I have to loose. Weeks ago I did order another ECM unit but they send me a completely different one ( it is one with 6 plug ports where my LS460 has only 4 ports) it is going back! But It might even not be the issue after I carefully studied Your awesome video! Thank YOU thank YOU!

[@mikechiodetti4482]

I am suprised everything worked! Hopefully the fuses took the blunt of the reversed battery jumper leads.

[@kaygeebee]

Fuses did their job. Love the power probe. Reminds me, I have some parasitic off ignition loads to chase.

[@themiddlekingdom9121]

This video taught us to replace battery as soon as the battery is expired, do not delay.

[@chaos.corner]

It's a shame cars didn't have a test function. I've had batteries fail at inconvenient times and the cold weather also will make a weak battery fail.

[@howardkerr8174]

This video came up recommended after watching a few RAV4 reviews, very informative. Having lived in Texas and Florida I knew somewhat how you felt working in that heat...no fun. Now if I do go ahead and buy a RAV4, or any Toyota I will definitely be careful about ever having it jump started.

[@willcthestormchaser6493]

NEVER ever buy a FUCKING turdota

[@llorttaf]

Well done. I would have lost it with that fuse, being bolted in lol.

[@charlesfiore7835]

That happened to me once!

[@Peter-hc4di]

Agree, many thanks from Sweden!

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Wow! It’s cool knowing someone across the globe is watching. Thanks!

[@kingbolen_official]

Good video ,thanks for sharing!

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thank you!

[@carlosvides2934]

hermano no sabes lo que me sirvio este video.. muchisimas gracias ...

[@philiphak4565]

Thank you for helping explain everything

[@gezdipz5425]

Fair play every video is a learning experience keep it up,never seen a bolt in fuse b4 lol 🤔

[@elpasolocksmith244]

Very valuable info friend, thank you!

[@troyburress4979]

Just finished changing this fuse for a customer tonight. Getting the fuse box apart to get to the bolts is like a puzxle. Despite what msny say you can get fuses at most parts stores. Ask for 120 amp PAL fuse. There are 2 types one with vertical legs like this one and one with horizontal legs sticking out to sides.

[@Samp4rk24]

Just did the same thing on a 07 FJ. Only the alternator itself shorted to ground and caused the 120A to blow. Replacing the alternator was easy. Getting into the fuse box to get to the 120A took a few hours lol

[@rgnewlife6622]

Hi! Wow thanks alot for taking the time to share!!! I am working on my 2011 Toyota Tundra 4x4 5.7 electrical system, because I grounded out my trailer lights to direct ground, now I only have running lights to my trailer and no stop or turn lights to my trailer plug, all the fuses are all good. I wanted to know if I am miss???

[@orlandoguzman7790]

Gracias tremendo trabajo bien explicado

[@joebass5163]

Same issue on a 2011 Rav4. Tried to diagnose with a multimeter and couldn't figure out why fuses weren't blown but radio, blower, no power, no start but some lights would come on in the dash. Went and got a test light and found out the under hood fuse blocks had power but the interior fuse block had no power. Then looked closer at the 120 amp fuse and it was blown. Then my uncle said "Oh yeah when I was installing the alternator it sparked because I forgot to unhook the battery. " Mannnn that would have saved some time but yeah that bolt in fusible link sucked to change out but it was $4 from auto store.

[@umargmail9820]

Very educational video. Like very much. Impressive

[@wonniewarrior]

So the 120 AMP fuse did it job protecting the rest of the electrics.

[@weldingjunkie]

Great use of the PP I love having one. It’s one of the best purchases I made. Shame when people jump backwards ground is always one right on those plastic batteries. Excellent video man... jay

[@user-vo4tt2wd6k]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@DylanRabier]

That fuse is really fun to replace. What a design. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Yeah, I’d like to meet the guy who designed that thing lol

[@carholic-sz3qv]

Its a really clever design with 110 Ampere the connection really needs to be tight

[@onenikkione]

it's not a part that gets changed out that often, maybe only if you let someone jump your car and they hook up the cables WRONG.

[@faustogonzalez8397]

Great Job, thank you.

[@bigapple3222]

GREAT VIDEO , THANK you so much 🙏

[@wraithrunner2355]

Great video very informative but as a standard rule of thumb you always check the main fuse first nine out of 10 times that's the culprit

[@EthanHaleCoach]

Thank you. This is the video I needed. I think. I'll let you know after but everything points to yes.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I hope this video helps

[@mynewschannel3100]

Nice video, very helpful

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thank you for watching!

[@cb0371]

My hero!

[@ronaldsototirado899]

Dude thanks!! Very useful

[@mikecont9742]

Great video.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thank you

[@byronmorris1594]

Thank you for showing me that.

[@kjosr1]

Trouble shooting at its finest, Good job...

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thank you for watching!

[@josejimenez-sy5pd]

Really good job

[@danielvidalescruz6343]

Good work mane

[@malcolmmarzo2461]

The red and green oiled felt washers are a great idea. Also mark terminals with a red and green paint stick. Batteries are poorly marked. Do not be in a hurry. When you have seen batteries explode in someones face a couple of times you will respect the power in a battery. An old adage: When you are in a hurry you are in danger.

[@monstersquashracing]

Great video

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thank you!

[@dronesandstuff61]

I was screaming "check the 120!!" LOL. Had a buddy with an '03 Camry jumped it backwards and same problem. Fuse box is a pain!

[@faustogonzalez8397]

Was really surprised the ECM was not damaged. I guess the 120 A fused saved the ECM ? Thanks.

[@MariaGonzalez-ei1pv]

Great job

[@stephenwgreen78]

Great video sure it will help others. Same thing with an old Mazda protege I had. The red battery terminal cover had turned black & I was in a hurry...hooked it up backwards & had an 80amp fuse blow that looked the same. The bolts got me too😁 Stupid mistake, but lesson learned...I double check the battery marking every time now.

[@adbc6740]

What year model was the mazda protégé?

[@stephenwgreen78]

@@adbc6740 I think 91

[@adbc6740]

@@stephenwgreen78 I got a 95, and a dude jumped my car he put the positive cable on the negative and the negative on the positive and i noticed they were reversed after one minute, and no electronics work only the hazards. Did ur main fuse blow, did you have the same symptoms?

[@stephenwgreen78]

@@adbc6740 it was the main fuse. There's a screw holding it in, so when you swap it don't just yank on it like an idiot (like I did) and break it into a million tiny pieces 😂🤣. I think it was 80amp or something ridiculous like that, and the bolt/screw was a pain to get to. But pretty simple fix.

[@stephenwgreen78]

@@adbc6740 and I did have the same symptoms... nothing was working

[@konradc12]

I had a Toyota Avensis 1998 model (UK built car) and accidently shorted the alternator when opening the engine coolant drain plug located near. This blew the fusible link just like the RAV4. Everything was identical, including dismantling the fuse box. The difference was no other fuse blew. I did the same repair about 9 years ago.

[@armgod1]

same experience. same symptoms. mirror-image of work

[@JohnBaxterWalker]

Excellent

[@rhadden8976]

After you replaced the fuse, did the charging system try to rechart original battery?

[@charlesfiore7835]

Handled the job 3 handedly!! LOL!!! Flip the canopy cover upside down so the white faces the sun and reflect more heat away.

[@allrock1238]

Given the very high current flow that can pass through a Charging system fuse and the risk of fire from a bad connection to it its the only way to make a solid low Resistance connection is to bolt it to the power buss connections.. The diodes in the alternator allow huge current flow in a reverse polarity connection situation the alternator would burn up in seconds if it were not for the fuse link..

[@markwanklyn4195]

know someone in the late 80's who tried to jump start their car - managed to short the positive connection to the metal casing of the ECU which was located right next to the battery - one bang and a shower of sparks later was left with a very dead ECU. From memory a replacement ECU cost him around £500 and that was with a big discount from another friend who worked at the dealer (would be around £1400 today taking inflation into account)

[@AAHKLEE]

After 46 years in auto service I still clearly recall the very first thing that was beaten into my 18 year old brain. "MAKE" and "BREAK" the NEGATIVE!!! Worked then. Works now!

[@MrTwisted1977]

What do u mean can u be a bit more specific

[@AAHKLEE]

@@MrTwisted1977 Sorry, read that as CONNECT and DISCONNECT the negative. The purpose is to prevent the arcing (sparking) that occurs when you do it with the positive terminal. Very worst case I ever saw took out the alternator diodes. ($$$$$$$). Hope this helps.

[@MrTwisted1977]

@@AAHKLEE thanks me old bute

[@atifabusalim7217]

Very nice vedio Are you can make vedio about charging system and add wiring diagram please

[@loganbarden602]

Nice video saved my ass on a customers car

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@hassandallal6314]

Good job God bless

[@NeoAndersonReloaded]

Dang that was some problem solving!

[@omaralobaidi577]

Thanks a lot I’m going to do that to my car tomorrow, and that’s exactly what happened to me the two truck did when he tried to jump my car

[@davidcampbell1899]

The person that jumped this car backward was lucky the battery didn't blow up in their face!

[@bobweiss8682]

Amazed that every electronic module in the vehicle wasn't damaged.

[@allrock1238]

@@bobweiss8682 The ECU computer on some cars is reverse polarity protected , often the main relay that supply's power to many of the accessory's wont close unless the computer commands it to do so.. accessory's that have direct fused power all the time are at risk ..

[@ryantoomey611]

This person is extremely lucky nothing was fried. I knew someone who did this and they ended up having to replace the computer and the alternator. The best way to avoid this in the future is to use color-coded terminals as it looks like this vehicle has the same colored terminals.

[@thewhizard]

My brother told me an 70s 80s car would crank but would not start - found the battery charged backwards. Would think on the newer cars if the fuses don't catch it could do a lot of electrical system damage...

[@adebayofaleye7510]

Good morning this is my first Time to watch your video i really love this am electrician also and still Working on air conditionner but am still looking for job ooo if possible for you to help me i will like to work with if possible thanks.

[@mrklimczyk]

I would recommend the JNC series jump boxes. You can get a normal sized one or the largest one that can put out 12 or 24 volts and I believe it has somewhere around 3000 amps for the largest one with the 12 and 24 volt option. Might cost a decent amount but it will be worth it

[@paulc2548]

I once hooked up the jumping cable correctly on the live car but hooked up wrong on the dead car and it sparked like hell...and I immediately realized my mistake and unhook the cable. I was using a cable that has black and red band instead of a solid red and I did not pay enough attention to it. Nothing is wrong with the car (it jumped and started) that I can detect. So far, the car didn't appear to suffer any damage a year later (maybe because the dead car was not started with the wrong cable hook up?)

[@tomschmidt381]

Customer got off easy. I'd have double checked the replacement fuses did not immediately blow. I'm surprised your test meter was able to inject enough current to make everything work. I'm not clear what kept everything alive later, must have been some feedback from the ignition key.

[@TheCubicnz]

Tom Schmidt he put enough power into the box to power up the alternator field coils. Once that started running it powered up the rest of the car. That’s why the power wire read 14V when the battery was only at 11.5V.

[@valleyautodiagnostics]

Good diag!!! Makes me wandering what kind of people work in that dealerships 🙉🙉🙉🙉

[@tam1381]

Dumb ones.

[@catsbyondrepair]

Dealership techs are ase certified

[@GraV21]

It’s called “overhead”. Unfortunately, it costs a lot of money in just overhead to run a business with employees. The bigger the building the more $$ it costs, and that trickles down to the customer.

[@chaos.corner]

My brother borrowed my car to jump-start his car and got the cables crossed and it blew a hole in the side of his battery. I was just glad it wasn't mine.

[@onenikkione]

With todays electronics in cars, I change my cars battery every 4 years