You can, but you'd better put a fuse in-line, next to the positive battery post, otherwise when it rubs through, (it will) you will have a red-hot wire that will damage one of many things, including your battery or setting the whole engine compartment on fire. Better that you find out why you are having the problem that makes you need this fix. I suspect you are having a problem getting the battery to charge. Better check: your battery...the battery cables, the alternator fuse, the fuse links under the fuse box and MOST importantly, all the grounds to the body. (There is one next to the fender by the battery, one on the passenger side connecting the engine to the strut tower (it unplugs). I added a ground to the firewall and connected it to the fuel rail. Without proper ground you can have engine operation problems and charging problems. Good luck! Auntetr
To replace the alternator belt on a 1982 Toyota Celica GT, first, disconnect the negative battery terminal to ensure safety. Loosen the alternator mounting bolts and the tensioner bolt to relieve tension on the old belt. Remove the old belt and install the new one, ensuring it is properly seated on the pulleys. Finally, adjust the tension by repositioning the alternator, tighten the bolts, and reconnect the battery terminal.
My aunt had an old Toyota Celica from the early 80's which experienced similar issues. The first thing to check is the alternator. It seems that the alternator wasn't charging the battery, and the lights were only being powered by the battery while driving - which made them dim.
If the battery light is on, it usually means that the alternator has a problem. Have the alternator checked at a local auto parts retailer. If one or more of the diodes are bad, your battery charge will be affected.
It's most likely your alternator going out, or something wrong with the charging system.....
disconnect the battery source first, disconnect the wiring on the alternator, then loosen the bolts on the mounts to loosen the belt. then loosen and remove the bolts. remove the alternator, and replace with new one.
check the distributer cap
simple useful alternator test - with the car running at idle and no accessories, lights, etc. on. Disconnect your positive battery cable. the car should stay running if your alternator is functioning correctly. If it is, leave your battery disconnected from the alternator for the night, or for however long it has been taking to drain the battery. Reconnect in the morning and try to start it. Often alternators fail because a strain is being imposed on them by a battery short. It's good to replace both at the same time.
there could be so many things. first you might want to check if the battery is dead then the timing belt and then maybe the starter. also if your battery is goin dead alot check the alternator
I have found it easier to do it from the bottom, take plastic splash shield off (4 10 mm screws) and the alt is straight up from there.
If it starts with a jump, have the alternator and battery tested.
You could have as simple a problem as a ground not getting a good connection, a corroded terminal(or wire) on the wire from the alternator to the battery, or maybe the plug in that goes into the voltage regulator is bad. I would first take an ohm meter and see if you're getting all the power from the alternator to the battery. One other thing might be a short in the computer. Good Luck!
Trash the car and get yourself a jeep :)