I believe my car battery is dead (I jumped my car, drove home from work, and tried to start my car at home again, and it died once again). I'm going to take it to a mechanic tomorrow....does anyone know how long it takes to put a battery in a car? Is there a chance it could be the alternater, and if so, how long would it take for a mechanic to do a quick diagnostics?
Just want to know if there's a chance I can make it to work.
NOTE: '99 Camry (so battery is 7ish years old). Thanks in advance!
2006-11-07 14:23:00 · 6 answers · asked by ome6a1717 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
7 years old, it's the battery, if it was the alternator the car would not have run after the jump start. half an hour at the most to change the battery........go to an auto parts store it'll be cheaper
2006-11-07 14:35:29 · answer #1 · answered by xjoizey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once the engine was running after you boosted the battery was the alternator or charging light on? If not, chances are the alternator is ok. Your mechanic can do a load test on the battery which takes about 10 minutes to determine if it can hold a charge. Actually changing the battery only takes about 5 minutes. Depending on the radio system installed, you may have to enter an unlock code to make it work again. You should find this info in the owners manual. If it's 7 years old, I'd say you got your money's worth out of it, that's about the life span of a battery depending on climate, driving habits etc.
2006-11-07 22:39:20 · answer #2 · answered by Big Jet Tech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 7 ish I would suggest a new battery would be appropriate. A good mechanic will check your alternator as part of the battery install. The whole thing should take maybe 45 minutes at most.
Ordinarilly if you purchase your battery from the shop installation should be free.
2006-11-07 22:33:39 · answer #3 · answered by tronary 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah its the battery. if it was the alternator it would have died on your way home from work. most batteries last 5 to 7 years. it wont take long at all to change the battery like 5 minutes if they know what there doing. alot of part stores do a free install when you buy a battery.
2006-11-07 22:40:33 · answer #4 · answered by jraiders48 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Takes 5 minutes to change a battery I have done it. You can take it (battery) to auto zone, or napa, some car parts seller & they will check the battery for you. But you gotta take it out .
2006-11-07 22:26:45 · answer #5 · answered by foxfire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
any garage can replace your battery in ten minutes if there not busy, about 60 to 100 bucks...alternater can be tested for free test alternater for power transfer before you talk battery...my bet is 99 camry belt on generater loose because it,s wearing out.try all but test first .
2006-11-07 22:37:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋