Engine not starting; despite charging battery after a jump start.

[dukkar]

My 2000 Toyota Camry XLE V6 wasn't starting this evening. When I would turn the key, the indicator lights on the dashboard would light up, but the engine wouldn't start despite making the cranking sound. I turned on the interior light and tried to start, but the lights flickered while the engine tried to start, but no luck. With the key in, I tried to operate the power windows and they worked, but very very slowly. I did this troubleshooting to see if the battery was completely dead.

Anyway, out of all options, I got someone to jump start my car and I drove home. I kept the car running for 45 mins to charge the battery, and while it was still running, I noticed that if I would try to use my power windows, the dashboard panel (and the headlights also, I think) would dim and the battery discharge warning indicator would come on. After 45 mins of keeping the car running, I turned it off and tried to start the car. It wouldn't start any more just like how it had behaved before getting a jump start.

What is the problem? Does the battery (AutoCraft Silver Battery purchased in March 2009) need to be replaced? Or is the problem elsewhere?

Please advise.

Thanks,
D

[Chris Crash]

Alternator.

[dorifuto.boi]

while ur car is running, your electronics should work just fine. if not, there might be something wrong with the atlernator. does this sound right to everyone else ?

[jtex2717]

One of two things...either a bad battery or bad alternator....i would say...start w/ the battery....make sure the terminals are clean and there is no leaks of acid...then i would check all of your ground wires to make sure you have good contact....then I would check your alternator if the problem still persists...then take the car to your local auto parts store and they should be able to test either component for functionality....I can almost guarantee this is your problem....

[96ToyoCam164K]

Originally Posted by dukkar

the battery discharge warning indicator would come on. After 45 mins of keeping the car running, I turned it off and tried to start the car. It wouldn't start any more just like how it had behaved before getting a jump start.D

I vote alternator also....

My battery died earlier this year. After a jump, and the alternator charging it, it still could re-start for atleast a couple hours later.

And the battery warning light does NOT come on for a dead battery.

Edit: yeah check the connections on battery. Sometimes you've really got to push down and tighten them well, or the car wont start even after 1 second of turning it back on.

[jtex2717]

I have seen the same problem for both sides of the spectrum tho.....I would say get them both checked....

[Chris Crash]

I'm placing a bet on the alternator, as the lights dim and what not.

[Chris Crash]

Check your belt, I had a slipping belt and the car would start dimming and the radio would turn off and the battery light would come on.

[fenixus]

i had exact same symptoms on '00 i4 when i had one loose wire on positive battery terminal. it was actually the wire going straight to starter module.

check battery connections first, get a wire brush, clean them all and tighten securely. measure battery voltage at shut car with voltmeter (even cheap $2.99 one from HFT will do) and see what it says.

once running you can go to local autozone or advance auto parts and get the alternator teste4d on car for free.

[dukkar]

Thanks for the replies. I shall check the battery terminals and start the engine. If no luck, then I'll have my battery and alternator tested Will report back as soon as I find something.

Thanks,
D

[Mister_Perkins]

a bad alternator would not keep the car running. The car would just completely die. After a jump start, it would die within a matter of miles after the battery was fully drained.

[wswanson]

how to check a charging system -

You Tube

You Tube

how to check the battery -

You Tube

You Tube

[dukkar]

It was a case of a battery gone bad! I removed the battery from the car and took it to the car shop and they confirmed it was dead! Thankfully, it was covered by the two-year warranty, so they gave me a new one.

I put that one in the car, and the engine was back in action! Anyway, I drove the car to a car mechanic and asked him to run a full charging system diagnostic test. The result was that everything is working just fine and after I explained the problem I had, he confirmed that the alternator was working properly; it was the battery that had been the problem.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Regards,
D

[Mister_Perkins]

Good to hear your back in business

[kirochan]

allright, it is time to call BS!

The year of the car is 2000, and you replaced the battery 9 years later. About within a year later the "new" battery is dead. Brother, I know you said you had a mechanic do a FULL charging diagnosis on it. But I would have someone else take a look.

When is the last time you replaced the alternator belt or checked it? When is the last time you cleaned your grounds on the battery and alternator? What kind of stereo equipment are you running. Do you have any aftermarket security, lights, etc stuff installed and when?

I only say the above cause for a battery to go bad in the first place and then a 2nd battery to go bad again so soon is kinda wierd. Just dont go to bed with a piece of mind that you are good. There is a small chance that the 2nd battery was just a 9month dud, but I dont think so. I do hope that is the case though. But do give some more detail about your car as far as:

When you had to replace the battery the first time or second time, did you do any mods, and when? Or any other answers to the above.