Battery Problems?

[mkII]

It hasn't happened to me in a while since my old car died and I got the Camry, but I can't start the car.

When a battery dies, can it simply just die and not attempt to crank? I hear a click and a whirring noise when I try to start the car. I've tried to charge the battery and jump start the car. Can it just go out? I think it's the battery because when I try to start it, the clock and the radio die out, but the instrument cluster is still on.

[skewe]

if the batt is low, and you try to jump start the car, it should start.
looks like if it is not starting when you jump start, it might be something else

[en1gma]

Definately sounds like you need a new battery. Mine had been causing trouble for a while and eventually, all I got was a click and lights out. Replaced battery and she's never started quicker!

[Knailgun]

new battery time....go yellow top...more money but a better battery

[mkII]

It's strange how I can't even jump start the car, though. If it's anything but the battery, then it bettery be covered by the warranty.

[BullMarket]

What are you jumping it off of? I can't jump my truck with my civics or camry

BULLMKT

[Mike Gerber]

The fact that it will not take a jump leads me to believe it's not your battery. First off, check the connections at the battery itself. Are they clean and tight? If so, check the connections at the starter itself. If that checks out OK, then it's time to check the starter itself. Many Toyota starters develop bad internal contacts over time. A simple test for this is to have someone hold the key in the start position while a second person gives the starter a good whack with a hammer or wrench. If the starter now turns, you have varified the starter has bad internal contacts. You can either replace the starter or take it off and take it apart and replace just the contacts. If you want to try this, do a search on this forum for "starter contacts". There should be some good threads on the procedure with some good pictures. It's a fairly easy DIY project. If the starter still does not turn, my next step would be to remove the starter and take it to an auto parts store for testing. Most auto parts stores will test it for free if you bring it in. I know Pep Boys and I believe Autozone do this for testing for free.

Good luck with the problem.

Mike

[Tercel GTS]

Sounds like a bad/loose starter to me. Make sure it's bolted on tight. You may have a bad flywheel, but this is rare on a toyota.

[mkII]

So, apparently the problem was with the anti-theft device. As simple as I can explain, it just broke. I had to get it removed. And did you know that the anti-theft device is not covered under warranty? I didn't.

[Super Kaioken]

it was the anti-theft? dang. i still would've guessed the battery =/

Time to get the advanced antitheft.....Viper!

[en1gma]

That's BS man! If it comes with the car and isn't a consumable item it should be under warranty.

[Mike Gerber]

I agree with en1gma. If it was a factory installed alarm system it should be covered under the 3 year/36,000 mile waranty. If it was an aftermarket system installed by the dealer, then your fight is with the dealer. If you do not get satisfaction here, call Toyota corporate at 800-331-4331 and speak to a customer service representative.

Mike

[mkII]

I have to look for the warranty, but it probably states in really small letters that it doesn't cover it. Time to search through the piles and piles of stuff I can't find room for.