Hi everyone i've been an avid guest on this site for a while, till tonight when i really need some sagely advise on a first gen RX. I have had my 85 GS since September 2008. Everything has been pretty simeple upkeep and the likes, (new alternator, clutch, and wheel bearings so far but today i ran into a big issue on my way home from work.

My whole electrical system just shut off......

I'm rather mechanically inclined and hold my own with the electrical side but after checking all the fuses under the dash i have yet to find out why i lost all power everywhere.

Is there a main power fuse in the engine bay that i have never seen before ???

Thanks if anyone could help me on this.

 

Check the fulsible links on the driver's side strut tower. The link in the middle is most likely the culprit. If that is not the cause, then remove and clean the connections at the battery and starter.

And if it does turn out to be a bad fusible link, then it can be replaced with a plug in type fuse found at any autoparts store. Just look at the connection type and you should be able to figure it out. Good luck...



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You said it's a brand new alternator, but check it to make sure it's not bad. You have to remember they no longer make parts for this car, almost all the parts are rebuilt.

 

A dead alternator would not explain the sudden total loss of power. It would continue to run until the battery had exhausted itself. If that center link goes, it will not start or run no matter what. You could push start it for a mile and it still won't run (ask me how I know).

A further note on that fuse that can be used to replace it. They are shaped like a small cube, with two legs coming off it. Those legs plug into the connections for the fusible link. I believe I'm using a 50 amp in the center position, and 30 amp in the two outboard positions...

 

Thanks for the help Kentetsu, and you were right in that being the problem. It was a loose connection on the battery side of the distribution block. I was able to drive it home and fixed the issue the next day. THANKS!!