matrix trouble - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

markl9999 · 01-17-2007, 05:47 PM

my 2003 toyota matrix , when starting, makes a strange kind of fluttering sound from the engine compartment, then turns over slowly as if the battery was nearly out then starts up and runs fine. it does it when sat for a while, hour or 2 not minutes. any ideas? the battery indicator on the actual battery is green- for ok and no warning lights are on.

Frank@toronto · 01-17-2007, 07:22 PM

Engine Turn over slowly = weak battery...

Battery indicator changes color when it's dead...

Turn your light on, have someone look at them and then start your car. If they are very low in brightness (during starts), then its your battery.

monkeyracing · 01-23-2007, 01:44 AM

I wouldn't trust one of those battery indicators. Hook a multimeter up to it to see what the voltage is with the engine off. Then do the same test with the engine running.

If it's low (below 12v) while the car's off, your battery's had it. If the voltage reads below 14v while running, then your alternator's the culprit, and not charging the battery.

Lights will dim a bit while starting, no matter what. Starting takes a lot of power.