97 Toyota for runner -I "think" I have a dead battery -at least it happened in my own garage and didn't leave me stranded. But how can I make sure that is the problem? I am afraid some mechanic will sell me down the river and try to tell me it is something else, when all need is a new battery. UGH!
Super appreciate any help here. I have my own "Chilton" book -don't laugh! hahaha I managed to change my own oil the other day! Felt pretty proud of myself.
2007-09-01 11:52:09 · 19 answers · asked by susie 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Thanks Fritz! Any idea on what a new one costs? I can't afford the fancy "die-hards" I used to buy. -Times are tough right now.
2007-09-01 12:01:15 · update #1
WOW - I am overwhelmed!! I can't say thanks enough!!! To you ALL!!!!
I knew we had a great group here. FYI the connections look pretty good. The dash lights do start to dim -I first noticed it all this am when the power back window barely went back up. I did not know the parts stores could check it.
As for the battery charger, the tester etc..afraid the ex took all those!! Including my jumper cables. Apparently my entire savings account wasn't enough! haha -but I am not bitter! Honest!! Hey I am learning to do it all on my own.
THANKS TO EVERYONE!!!!
2007-09-01 12:13:34 · update #2
What "symptons" woud I have if it were the relay switch? Different than battery "symptoms"?
2007-09-01 12:24:15 · update #3
Sadly -I just moved to town and don't have any "heros' yet to help me. If I can pull this off and keep all 10 fingernails in tack I am going to give myself an award!! hahaha..Last question -taking the battery out...The book says to remove the negative cable first. YIKES -guess what I just did??? The other side was easier to get off, so I started there. Am I in trouble now??!!!!!! The negative is going to have to take someone stronger than me!!! Did I total do a no no??? Should I put the one side back on and then remove the negative? Good grief -you would think it would be so much more simple!!
2007-09-01 13:25:55 · update #4
Try getting a jump start from someone.
Jump start the car. If the car starts, the battery may be weak. Drive the car around to try and re-charge the battery (15 mintues should do it). After 15 minutes, make sure you are back home and in a good spot. Turn off the engine. Then try restarting. If engine restarts, then you battery is probably going. If engine doesn't restart, then the battery is probably dead. Take the battery out and take to a parts store to verify the battery is dead.
If the car doesn't start when you try to jump start it, the battery could be really dead, or it could be something else like a starter motor or neutral safety start switch. Try shifting the car into neutral to start it. If it starts in neutral gear, the neutral safety start switch is going out.
Otherwise, you'll need to take the starter off and into a parts store to get it tested.
2007-09-01 12:05:24 · answer #1 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey, a pat on the back is due for the oil change. OK, here's your solution. First charge the battery up to a full charge (an overnight 'trickle charge' is best) since you may have just left something on that drained your battery. If you are unable to charge the battery, get a jump start or take it out and go to an auto parts store (Advance auto parts, Auto Zone etc.). They are happy to do a free test to determine the condition of the battery. Don't rely on a jump start, except to be able to start it just to drive there, and do so without using lights, radio, AC etc. The battery should be fully charged to do a proper test and they will even charge your battery if needed so they can do the test. It's the best place to start and you've gotta trust someone unless you have the means and the know how to do it for yourself or a good friend that is a mechanic, not just a 'wannabe' mechanic (with alterior motives). Good luck, you seem like the type of person that can handle the situation. Just GO 4 IT!
PS.... One of the best investments a vehicle owner can make is a jump box, available at WalMart auto department for instance from $29 to $39. Then you don't need a second vehicle or cables, you just jump start it yourself, quick and easy, saves being stranded in many cases (just remember to recharge the jump box by plugging it in to a wall outlet occaisionally)
2007-09-01 12:30:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good for you! I wish my sister's could change their own oil. It could be a dead battery if when you cranked it over it sounded very weak or didn't do anything at all. Plus a good indication is if when you lift the hood and look at the battery it's has a lot of corrosion build up on it. If you haven't changed your battery for quite some time then it's most likely the problem and if it isn't it's gonna need done pretty soon anyways. Batteries are really easy to change yourself too. Expecially if you have a chilton, just take it down to your local autostore and have them replace it with the same battery or equivalent, and follow the instruction in your chilton. Be sure to clean up all the crusty white stuff too. If you wanted to have a little fun checking your battery try to get some arcs from terminal to terminal with some piece of metal or cable, but don't look directly at the arc. If it doesn't arc, well now it's clear it's a bad battery. Good luck and have fun!
2007-09-01 12:10:17 · answer #3 · answered by - 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
remove the battery and take it to a parts store or shop and ask them to load test the battery. There is a sticker on the battery that tells you how old it is too. If it's more than 3 or 4 years old and will not hold a charge under a load test, it is probably no good. If the battery is OK, You must have the car examined by someone to see what else it may be. Lots of possible reasons for a no-start.. Ask somes friends for someone they use and trust. No all mechanics are crooks, just the stupid, incompetent ones. Good mechanics are too busy making honest money to worry about how to rip you off. Good luck!
2007-09-01 12:06:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call first 2 c if they will LOAD test the battery 4 free b 4 u go there. Did u leave anything on ! How old is the Battery ? Does it spark when U connect the Negative cable last ? 5 years is about max on a Florida battery. IF it starts does it have a Gauge or light. B sure U don't have ANY flame or spark ABOVE or around the battery. Batteries can blow up-
Just b careful ! Acid burns are nasty ! REMEMBER !!!Negative {off} first-Negative {on} last !!!!!! so u don't have sparks !
2007-09-01 12:10:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a volt meter and check turn off and then started after a jump from another vehical,if it's the same running and the same off it's probably the alternator,or go buy a battery tester from the auto stor,they look like a turkey baster and,but thats still not going to let you know if the alternater is bad,also be sure the battery is got water in it.
2007-09-01 12:08:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fritz has the right Idea . After you are done with that, take it back to where you bought the battery , and have them check the alternator to be sure it is charging the battery .
They will usually do this for free as well .
2007-09-01 12:08:28 · answer #7 · answered by LORD V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn on the headlights and look to see if they are on and how bright. If they are as bright as usual it's not the battery. If they are dim or dont come on, the battery is low or dead. Take the old battery out and go buy a new one, put it in and take it and have a charging system test performed>
2007-09-01 12:02:58 · answer #8 · answered by Ron B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pull the battery out of the car and have someone run you to the nearest parts house. Most will test the battery for free and of course be happy to sell the replacement if needed.
Good Luck
2007-09-01 11:58:38 · answer #9 · answered by Fritz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a volt meter; just measure the voltage.........it should be at least 11.5 volts
or press the horn button......dead batteries want blow the horn
if the horn wan't blow, check your battery cables
since you must have tools, take the battery cables off and clean them; coke products will work wonders; but will only clean the outsice unless your remove the cables..........note: coke products will damage paint and any metal that you leave it on. Why not invest in a battery charger ? that is if you think the battery is low
2007-09-01 12:01:52 · answer #10 · answered by couv2020 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋