Toyota corolla 99, batteries issues?

[toyotapad]

Hi,
I have Toyota corolla LE, 1999. Yesterday i was unable to start my car, i had to call road side assistance to jump start. I have never changed the batteries on this car, it is been seven years. From past couple of weeks when i try to start, it makes weired sound (click, karrrrr) and then starts, it takes little bit more time. Today morning i did not have any problem starting the car (no sound or delay).

Today i went to sears auto to check my car batteries, they said they will charge $12.95 just for checking battery, charger, alternator and starter. I did know what to do, so said i will come back later.

I was wondering if anybody can throw some light on this issue. Is it battery problem ? or Is it the starter or alternator problem? or the charger?

If it is battery problem, then which battery is good one?

Thanks in advance.

[retiredat44]

7 years old???

dude,, it's gotta be close to dead!


I only get about 3.5 years on a battery had it always diesu nder warranty so the pr0-rating always kicks me back about $20.00 towards the new battery.

[Papa Bear]

My battery usually lasts 6 yrs and dies in the 7 th yr. Duralast was a C.R. "best-buy" in a recent issue

[lexusk8]

I changed the battery in my wife's 98 CE with a Wal-mart brand several months ago (it was an Interstate battery before, I think). Costed me around $65 and includes a 3-yr free replacement plus proactive replacement. Best battery deal IMO.

[toyomoho]

Pick up an inexpensive digital voltmeter. The approximate percent of battery charge versus voltage (engine off) is below. If close or below 12V the battery is dead.

12.65V =100 %, 12.45V = 75 %, 12.24V= 50%, 12.06V =25%, 11.89V= 0%.

With the engine running and alternator working the voltage at the battery will be 13-14V.

If everything is OK, check the battery cables for corrosion.

[niko3257]

if the idiot light isn't on in your dash then it's not the alternator.
now your down to the starter or battery.
get your battery tested first.
but it has been 7 years. i would say replace the battery anyway.
the winter is coming and your battery will most likely die on you.

i use to work as a mech and you know when it's winter when all these cars come
in with bad batteries. the first really cold day kills them. the colder it is the less
CCA's you have. the less CCA's you have the less of a chance you have that your car
will start.

i don't know how much of a expensive battery you want but i don't mess around.
Optima all the way. i have a red top in my prizm and a yellow top in my Cherokee.
they last forever and they have more power than my cars need. which is always good.

but yeah change you battery and go from there.