After I started my 96 Toyota Corolla, I tried to turn the head lights on, which triggered a total loss of power and electricity of the car. And I cannot start it anymore. The similar thing happened this morning. When I tried to turn the head lights on, I notice the radio stopped for about 2 seconds, then everything was back to normal.
AAA checked the battery and the alternator, and they are both fine. I guess there must be some kind of short somewhere. After it was dark, I went to the car looking for the manual. When I opened the door, of course it was dark inside. The weird thing is the light started to back on somehow, and it was pretty bright finally. However I still cannot start the car. Anyone knows what is the problem with my car?
Thank you in advance.
2007-05-29 15:39:57 · 6 answers · asked by tjhubo 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I don't think you can trust the AAA road service too much in diagnosing your car. You need to concentrate on checking your battery and the battery cable connections first because that is the most probable repair necessary. If you can loosen the battery cable nuts yourself, rotate the battery cable connector left and right on the battery post without removing it from the battery post (for now). Do that to both the red (+) and ground (-) battery cables. Danger: Don't let the wrench bridge between the battery terminals or from the red + to the body of the car (-). Tighten up the nuts and try to start the car again. If it won't start, you'll need another jump start from AAA. If your battery is 5 years old or more, just buy a new battery because you need one. Otherwise, once the car is running again, drive to an auto parts store like Advance or AutoZone and have the battery and charging system (alternator) tested (for free).
2007-05-29 15:47:32 · answer #1 · answered by bobweb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most common issue is dirty cable connections at the battery. Just LOOKING clean isn't good enough. They must be clean and secure.
Second, check the master MAXI fuse and or the fusible links.
2007-05-29 15:45:11 · answer #2 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check & clean the battery cables. It sounds like corroded terminals.
2007-05-29 15:53:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That car uses about six relays under the hood on the fender well.
try swaping out the relays, and checking fuses.
2007-05-29 15:48:19 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the battery terminals have corrosion on them, clean or replace.
Check all grounds, particularly from the negative battery terminal, and engine to body grounds.
2007-05-29 15:44:16 · answer #5 · answered by phatkat64 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
your alternator is shot; and i'll bet the connections on the back of the alternator are stuffed as well
2016-04-01 04:00:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋