I took my 2020 Corolla for a battery change to Walmart. The Walmart Auto Tech installed the battery terminals in reverse. I heard a spark and some yelling. They attempted to change a fuse but it failed and they tried to start the car. Car would not go into gear, windows were all stuck, brakes locked up.
I had my car towed to a Toyota dealer.
Is my car likely totaled electrically? Only 28k miles.
I took my 2020 Corolla for a battery change to Walmart. The Walmart Auto Tech installed the battery terminals in reverse. I heard a spark and some yelling. They attempted to change a fuse but it failed and they tried to start the car. Car would not go into gear, windows were all stuck, brakes locked up.
I had my car towed to a Toyota dealer.
Is my car likely totaled electrically? Only 28k miles.
Unfortunately, most likely. Fuses only work as designed when the polarity is correct. If the alternator/battery is putting out more amperage/voltage than the component can handle, a fuse blows instead of the component. Since the Wal-Mart tech reversed the polarity, the last thing in the circuit was the fuse, not the first, and the battery's full voltage ran through everything.
I guess you learned the hard way to never trust Wal-Mart "technicians" to install batteries in your car.
Is my car likely totaled electrically?
It's toast. You can bet just about all computer modules were fried, it only takes a fraction of a second. WalMart will most likely not admit to any fault. You will very likely have to sue them for damages. (Hopefully they have video that can be subpoenaed if it comes to that. WalMart has multiple cameras just about everywhere in the store.)
I would never trust WalMart (or Jiffy Lube or Pep Boys etc.). I do sometimes buy tires at WalMart but take the wheels off the car myself and take them to the store to have the tires mounted. I also buy batteries there but install them myself. I won't let WalMart "technicians" touch my car.
@chucktobias well realize Walmart is responsible for it. And I would not accept a total of the car. If they do total it I would hire a lawyer and Sue Walmart because that is total incompetence and they are liable for incompetence having mechanics. I can't even do something that simple. Walmart does. A big company has lots of money. You could sue them for a whole bunch of money.
@chucktobias Walmart has a great selection of batteries buy your batteries there but don’t get them replaced there take them home and do it yourself
Dealer said all modules checked out fine.
If Toyota ran diagnostics and the computer modules are ok then maybe you got lucky. Replace the fuse block and see. Then bring to repair bill to Walmart.
@imperator how much was it for Toyota to run electrical diagnosis including tow and all
@imperator how much was it for Toyota to run electrical diagnosis including tow and all
I don’t know Toyota’s rates in your area sorry. Try calling them.
it's possible there's some protection built in.
It's highly likely.
Most microchips already have intrinsic "body diodes" that shunt reverse current. And especially those for automotive applications. Electronics in cars are built to higher specifications (compared to household appliances for instance) simply due the harsh environment. Temperature, humidity, voltage fluctuation, etc.
Obviously it doesn't mean it's a good idea to test this, or that the safeguards cover all situations, but yes some protection is always present. Otherwise electronics would be incredibly fragile, even just due to stray ESD etc.
@scottykilmerFWIW, Scotty doesn't answer questions already answered by members. This site's admins and moderators check all the member answers for their accuracy and validity. This is Scotty's website, and as such, the admins and moderators here are exceptionally qualified. As a car enthusiast, I've wrenched for well over 50 years and can assure you, you're getting excellent advice.
@hixster so then can I just go ahead and ask you a question ?
@mycarstoast yes .
can I just go ahead and ask you a question ?
Yes but not here. Post your own and make sure you include all the details in the instructions.
Dealer said all modules checked out fine.
If that's the case with that kind of luck you should buy lottery tickets. Electronics really don't take kindly to reverse polarity, though it's possible there's some protection built in.
As @imperator says, have that repaired and hopefully the car will return to life - and submit the bill to WalMart, but be prepared for a fight.
They offered to cover the repair costs.
I think you should take the offer, as well as any other inconvenience costs they incurred (rental car or Uber or whatever), and be happy with it.
But you should also get it in writing that if any other car issues materialize within some timeframe (eg a month), and the problem is provably caused by their goof up, they should reimburse you for that as well.
They offered to cover the repair costs.
It's pretty amazing they admitted responsibility. I know of cases where chain shops have caused car damage and a legal battle was required to get them to pay. Consider yourself fortunate.
I have read that I can sue for diminished value.
How much could you expect to get (if you won) versus how much a lawyer would cost?
I would take @imperator's advice and accept their offer to cover repair costs, and try to get reimbursement for incidental expenses.
The dealership just told me only the “fusible blocked assembly” has to be replaced.
I wonder if Scotty or anyone has advice on this.
Dealer said all modules checked out fine.
I haven’t seen any Toyota posts about this online.
Hello everyone any and all advice welcome
Walmart damaged my car electrically from a bad battery install.
They offered to cover the repair costs.
I have read that I can sue for diminished value.
I got an online appraiser, Autoloss, to send me a report.
Walmart denied the report and said no they won’t pay diminished value. (Texas)
Anyone ever sue or get an insurance company to pay diminished value (on a mechanics faulty repair)?
3 year old Corolla with low miles.