Not getting enough volts to start car - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

quangtran89 · 09-30-2009, 11:06 PM

So just recently I keep on having to jump start my car. For some reason my battery keep on dropping down to 8 volts. I can't really figure it out. Radio is off, equalizer off, lights off, everything. The battery and alternator was just tested from autozone about a day ago and both are fine. Could it be the the starter is grounding out and draining my battery? Anyone have any ideas what could be causing this problem? Oh and the battery is only two and a half year old.

abew330 · 10-01-2009, 10:22 AM

droppin to 8v after sitting all night? while driving?

quangtran89 · 10-01-2009, 11:11 AM

From sitting all night. Everything time I want to start my car I have to jump it now.

djb2 · 10-01-2009, 12:08 PM

Well, if the battery has discharged to 8V, it's now effectively dead. Even if it wasn't before, discharging it to that level multiple times will kill it.

Before you get a new battery, charge the current battery fully with a battery charger and measure the turned-off current drain from the car. If it's over a few amps, suspect the alternator diodes. If it's higher than 50mA, but not especially high, suspect a trunk or glove box light remaining on, or the power antenna. If it's under 50mA, just replace the battery.

chronoti · 10-01-2009, 12:23 PM

this reminds me of my aurora battery, here the issue that stupid tester they go to your car with just checks the battery and if anything only applies a slight load, if they take it inside and set their machine in there to the correct size battery it will fail. also because of this reason i'm no longer allowed at 2 different sears around me

quangtran89 · 10-01-2009, 11:44 PM

Found out I need a new battery. I didn't want to believe it because this battery is only two years old. Oh well

Also does anyone know what this is?

I found it when I was fueling up. As I open up the gas cap this appear. Can't really figure what it's for.

Gibson99 · 10-02-2009, 10:59 AM

looks like the guts of the gas cap. it's part of the evap/vent system. without that, your check engine light will be coming on soon. get a new gas cap.

quangtran89 · 10-02-2009, 12:43 PM

oh...Gotcha. Thanks

***LynchburgCSI*** · 10-02-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quangtran89

Found out I need a new battery. I didn't want to believe it because this battery is only two years old. Oh well

if its 2 years old it should still be under a free replacement warranty....i think. occasionally people will get defective batteries. I have an 86 month warranty.

quangtran89 · 10-02-2009, 09:20 PM

Yeah, my warranty is expire on 10-16-09. Just got it replace earlier today. Lucky me!