5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I have a sad question: My kids left the rear door open and my car was parked for 3 weeks like that...it entirely drained the battery, plain dead. Obviously the automatic interior light shut off did not work for the rear door, not sure why. Anyway, my real surprise is that I can't get the car jump started - neither with a 300Amph jump start box nor with my RX-8 running. I do have the keyless ignition. The car does not even crank, just the clicking sound but no engagement. Looking at the battery spec it states 525 or so Amph ....anybody has another trick how to get the car started? It would be silly to have it towed to the shop for that.
Btw, if the starter or helper car is connected the Camry appears to look fine, i.e. all lights are on, interior works etc ...except it's not even cranking.
No, not for too long. Basically you recommend to charge it via the RX-8 for a while before trying to crank?
Sort of, but turn off the RX when you actually crank the Cam. General school of thought is it can cause a surge which can damage the electrical system of the 'host' car.
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Sort of, but turn off the RX when you actually crank the Cam. General school of thought is it can cause a surge which can damage the electrical system of the 'host' car.
I got the Camry started now...the trick was to let the RX-8 run for 15minutes first and then increase the ref on the RX-8 to get more juice delivered to start the Camry (with the RX-8 off it would not start even after 15min). Now I need to get a higher rated jump starter - the 300Amph did not do a dent, but I used it for a variety of other cars before (helping others). Oh well, at least I do not need to get it towed - I am pretty hesitant of that after watching these guys before.
What you experianced is quite common when a battery is completly discharged. I haven't seen any "jump start" device that puts out enough power to start a car with a full dead battery. The reason yours worked before is that the battery had some charge left in it. The best thing to do is to get a battery charger and leave it to charge the dead battery overnight. That will usually do the trick. If you have to start the car in a short time, leaving the jumper cables on like you did is best. I have also swapped batteries, started the car, then switched the batteries back. I know this is not recommended, but in a pinch (no cables to be found) it worked.
The sad part, is that your battery will never be the same. Keep an eye out for how fast the engine cranks when you start it. You battery will usually let you know its fading. The engine won't crank as fast. I have never been totaly suprised at a battery failure.
What you experianced is quite common when a battery is completly discharged. I haven't seen any "jump start" device that puts out enough power to start a car with a full dead battery. The reason yours worked before is that the battery had some charge left in it. The best thing to do is to get a battery charger and leave it to charge the dead battery overnight. That will usually do the trick. If you have to start the car in a short time, leaving the jumper cables on like you did is best. I have also swapped batteries, started the car, then switched the batteries back. I know this is not recommended, but in a pinch (no cables to be found) it worked.
The sad part, is that your battery will never be the same. Keep an eye out for how fast the engine cranks when you start it. You battery will usually let you know its fading. The engine won't crank as fast. I have never been totaly suprised at a battery failure.
Thanks will do...too bad, was a brand new battery to start with. I was out of the country for more than 3 weeks and one of my kids got a toy out of the car and did not close the door entirely. Things happen. Interesting - the manual states that when the light switch is in "door" position, which it was in my case, the lights should shut off after 20minutes to prevent exact what happened to me. I will test it as soon soon as my battery is back to "normal"....
A bit topic, but how do you put your cars ignition in to the accessory mode with the push button start? Like if you want to just listen to the radio with the car off.
Thanks will do...too bad, was a brand new battery to start with. I was out of the country for more than 3 weeks and one of my kids got a toy out of the car and did not close the door entirely. Things happen. Interesting - the manual states that when the light switch is in "door" position, which it was in my case, the lights should shut off after 20minutes to prevent exact what happened to me. I will test it as soon soon as my battery is back to "normal"....
You are right, the light should turn off automaticaly. The only thing I can think of is that even with the dome light off, the electronics were still active and caused the drain. 3 weeks is a long time.
A bit topic, but how do you put your cars ignition in to the accessory mode with the push button start? Like if you want to just listen to the radio with the car off.
You just touch the button once short...to start it you need to keep it pushed for a few sec's.
You are right, the light should turn off automaticaly. The only thing I can think of is that even with the dome light off, the electronics were still active and caused the drain. 3 weeks is a long time.
I will ask the service guy at the dealer for clarification....kind of worthless if it still drains the battery in that case.
My battery died, and it never kept a charge again. Brought it to toyota, and got a brand new battery under warranty. Might wanna do that, just to get a new battery.
Also make sure you don't have a loose and/or corroded terminal. That was an issue with mine.
No corrosion - brand new. I got the Car on 12/29/07 and since then sits mostly in the dry garage - engine bay looks like new.
Quote:
Originally Posted by krouchchocolate
My battery died, and it never kept a charge again. Brought it to toyota, and got a brand new battery under warranty. Might wanna do that, just to get a new battery.
I am on my way to Toyota - I will suggest that when they don't offer it as it really should not have happened (just got of the phone with them). We will see. At least, its running again.
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