2009 Vibe 2.4 Auto Arced Alternator - No power

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adamp1027
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:33 pm

2009 Vibe 2.4 Auto Arced Alternator - No power

Post by adamp1027 »

Forgot to undo my battery and arced across the power wire on alternator with a screwdriver. Now I have no power door locks, no windows, no accessories power, no blower motor, no ignition. I have dash lights, headlights, dome lights, that's it. Have checked all fuses in under hood fuse box and under dash fuse box, none are blown. Where should I start next? I was thinking ignition switch.

Edit: i do have horn and hazard lights
When i push the unlock button on the key fob, both blinker indicators on the dash click on and off a few times, but locks do nothing
Also, the gear position is not displayed on the dash, so neutral safety switch probably doesn't have power either
Last edited by adamp1027 on Tue Aug 24, 2021 6:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
adamp1027
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:33 pm

Re: 2009 Vibe 2.4 Auto Arced Alternator - No power

Post by adamp1027 »

Removed 120a alternator/main fuse (PITA), and found the alternator section blown. Will order new part and see if this fixes everything
adamp1027
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:33 pm

Re: 2009 Vibe 2.4 Auto Arced Alternator - No power

Post by adamp1027 »

Replaced alternator fuse, now I have auto door locks! Woohoo! But all other problems remain, what next?
adamp1027
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:33 pm

Re: 2009 Vibe 2.4 Auto Arced Alternator - No power

Post by adamp1027 »

Replaced ignition switch, no change :(
zbyers
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Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: 2009 Vibe 2.4 Auto Arced Alternator - No power

Post by zbyers »

i would suspect some fuse, relay, or module to have gone bad when you shorted it out.
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adamp1027
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:33 pm

Re: 2009 Vibe 2.4 Auto Arced Alternator - No power

Post by adamp1027 »

Yes, need someone with wiring diagram who can tell me what to test with my multimeter to trace the problem.
adamp1027
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:33 pm

Re: 2009 Vibe 2.4 Auto Arced Alternator - No power

Post by adamp1027 »

Checked 3 relays behind blower controls, all good
adamp1027
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:33 pm

Re: 2009 Vibe 2.4 Auto Arced Alternator - No power

Post by adamp1027 »

Just measured good resistance between alternator and fusebox, so cabling there is good. Also, I have 12v at the alternator.
Also have power at the ignition switch.
adamp1027
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:33 pm

Re: 2009 Vibe 2.4 Auto Arced Alternator - No power

Post by adamp1027 »

I got the diagrams from alldata.com and it saved my bacon

I started tracing the entire power path backwards from the radio to the battery

When I got to the AM1 fuse, I realized there was no fuse there! :oops:

When I had checked all the fuses under the dash, I had gotten the image turned backwards in my head and put it in the opposite corner slot!

In case anybody cares, the AM1 fuse under the dash sends power to the ignition switch (red wire), when you turn the key to ACC, the grey wire is powered from the ignition switch and heads out to the ACC relay, then the ACC fuse, then to the radio.

All fixed!
Caretaker

Re: 2009 Vibe 2.4 Auto Arced Alternator - No power

Post by Caretaker »

Well done; congrats. When I'm upside down looking at fuse boxes, I feel like Jim Lovell trying to maneuver the LEM as sweat pours all over me.
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