Yet another car battery or alternator question...Is this my battery thats dead or alternator?

Question

So i go to try to start my car and as soon as I turn the key I hear this clickclickclickclick sound over and over. It's really loud and annoying. Can anyone tell me which is the more likely culprit? And if its an alternator does anyone know how much it usually costs to replace? 95 Celica...

Answer 1

The battery is not throwing the solenoid over to complete the circuit the way it should--if it was, the starter would get enough energy to spin and start the car. So if the battery is older than 3 years, it is probably dead. recharging is a waste of time--it has had it. When you get to the shop for a repair, ask to check the alternator, to see if that is effectively recharging the battery. If it is not--you have to change it also--along with the belt. Check the positive and negative cables--at both ends--broken or rotted cables do not give full energy flow. A shop needs to do all this and to do the corrections that are needed. Probably 45 an hour plus the parts--figure 300 dollars for a good repair that will last a long time.

Answer 2

The battery is dead. However, you need to find out why. The alternator may not be working and is causing the dead battery. Have it towed to your mechanic's shop and have them do an electrical system test, that will tell you what the problem is and what needs to be done. Replacing an alternator on a 95 toyota Celica should run around $180-240 depending on the labor charges.

Answer 3

neither, that would be either your starter, or starter selenoid (selenoid is normally part of the starter, so you'll be replacing that either way). If you know how to do the work yourself, it shouldn't run you much if you get the part from a junk yard. Starters generally only have 2 or 3 bolts holding them on, and are found at the bottom of the engine. I'm not familiar with your exact car, but as long as your exhaust pipes aren't in the way, you should be able to change one in less than 20 minutes (including jacking the car up and letting it back down).

Good luck to you!

Answer 4

battery testers these days will determine if you have a dead 'cell' and what Cold Cranking Amps you battery
is capable of

you may have to pull your alternator and take it to a parts store
like Autozone- NAPA - etc - where they can put it on a machine
and put it through its paces

Alternators vary by cars - with or without A/C is a big factor

all the best

Answer 5

Always check the battery first. Alt will run$45 cost plus labor.

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Sometimes the simplest solution is the answer: It could just be a lose battery terminal. If not, then you will have to check the solenoid.

Answer 8

Try the starter.