Electrical Oddity - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

mwilde · 01-31-2010, 03:01 PM

I have a 2000 Camry CE 4 cyl, manual. Its a daily driver US spec car. Recently, I noticed that sometimes my presets on the head unit zero out when I start the car. Nothing else is abnormal in terms of electrical accessories. I do most of my own work so I am wondering what the fix is.
I also have an Italian car so I am very familiar with electrical gremlins and this has all the markings of one given that it is intermittent and follows no reasonable pattern that I can detect. My wild guess is that there is a short in the ignition switch. Does it sound like I am barking up the right tree?

Mark W
Houston, TX USA

rusty9 · 01-31-2010, 05:00 PM

you may want to check that the head unit(if its aftermarket) was installed correctly and is using the proper power and ground points. some guys just splice in where ever.

mwilde · 01-31-2010, 06:54 PM

Thanks. Its the original unit and I am the first owner. Nothing has been touched. I have thought about putting a new head unit with all the all the modern tech stuff in it but I want to be fairly certain that the problem is not in the head unit.

***BMR*** · 01-31-2010, 09:17 PM

It could be the battery is getting weak. How old is it? While the starter is cranking the motor, a weak battery's voltage can drop enough that the radio will lose its presets.

Retrospekt · 02-01-2010, 12:51 AM

I'm gonna say weak battery.

Mike Gerber · 02-01-2010, 12:03 PM

^ Or weak alternator. Have them both checked out. There are auto parts stores that will check the charging system out for free, while still on the car. Call around to auto parts stores in your area to find one that does and go there.

Mike

mwilde · 02-01-2010, 02:21 PM

Funny y'all should mention this. It was cold last night and when I cranked the car up this morning, I cranked very slowly. I will test the battery tonite.

#2! · 02-01-2010, 03:52 PM

I've had the same thing happen. It did that for a few days and then the battery finally crapped out and wouldn't start the car. I recommend replacing the battery ASAP. They can do some freaky stuff when they reach that point. Get an Interstate battery. They are built very well and usually keep working solid a year or two after the expiration date.

mwilde · 02-01-2010, 05:30 PM

I bought one this morning after observing the slow crank. I will put it in tonight and provide a results recap.

Thanks to all who responded

Mark Wilde, Houston TX

mwilde · 02-03-2010, 01:22 PM

Put a new battery in the vehicle. All is functioning well.
Thanks for the input from everyone.