99 camry - engine light on - strange situation

I've a 99 toyota camry, never replaced the battery so far. I usually
leave the day time lights on (switches automatically ON when the engine
is started, and switches off
automatically when the engine is shut down). This morning when I was
ready for work and came to the car the head lights were ALREADY ON(!)
and when I tried starting,
the ENGINECHECK comes on and does not go off, and car engine cranks and
never get started. If the battery is dead the head lights should not be
ON correct? Any idea, if it is because of the dead battery or what the
problem could be.

Thanks in advance.

-Ravi

<ravipb@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1165248255.801543.264450@16g2000cwy.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
> I've a 99 toyota camry, never replaced the battery so far. I usually
> leave the day time lights on (switches automatically ON when the engine
> is started, and switches off
> automatically when the engine is shut down). This morning when I was
> ready for work and came to the car the head lights were ALREADY ON(!)
> and when I tried starting,
> the ENGINECHECK comes on and does not go off, and car engine cranks and
> never get started. If the battery is dead the head lights should not be
> ON correct? Any idea, if it is because of the dead battery or what the
> problem could be.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> -Ravi
>[/color]

The ignition system needs a little over 10 volts to start the car. It is
possible that the battery has drained below that point, but there is enough
voltage to illuminate the headlights. A 7 year old battery is probably due
for a replacement, especially if you live in a hot or cold climate. It is
possible that the daytime running light relay got stuck due to low battery
voltage. Start by getting the battery replaced and see if the headlight
problem cures itself.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Thanks for that.
I live in DC metro area and I knew it is time for battery replacement
and wanted to do it in a week or two. Do you think the batttery drain
is causing the ENGIN ECHECK light on. OR what are the chances that it
is an ALTERNATOR problem? Do you think I can get it repaired at a
mechanic instead of going to the dealer? Thanks

<ravipb@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1165250116.180056.169160@73g2000cwn.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
> Thanks for that.
> I live in DC metro area and I knew it is time for battery replacement
> and wanted to do it in a week or two. Do you think the batttery drain
> is causing the ENGIN ECHECK light on. OR what are the chances that it
> is an ALTERNATOR problem? Do you think I can get it repaired at a
> mechanic instead of going to the dealer? Thanks
>[/color]

The check engine light should be illuminated if the ignition is on but the
engine is not running, and the check engine light will come on if the system
voltage is too low.

Based on the age of the battery, I would start by getting it replaced and
see if the other problems go away. You do not have to go to the dealership
for a battery, although the replacement batteries they sell are good.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
news:4ec11$45745787$44a4a10d$25966@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=blue]
>
> <ravipb@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1165250116.180056.169160@73g2000cwn.googlegroups.com...[color=green]
>> Thanks for that.
>> I live in DC metro area and I knew it is time for battery replacement
>> and wanted to do it in a week or two. Do you think the batttery drain
>> is causing the ENGIN ECHECK light on. OR what are the chances that it
>> is an ALTERNATOR problem? Do you think I can get it repaired at a
>> mechanic instead of going to the dealer? Thanks
>>[/color]
>
> The check engine light should be illuminated if the ignition is on but the
> engine is not running, and the check engine light will come on if the
> system voltage is too low.
>
> Based on the age of the battery, I would start by getting it replaced and
> see if the other problems go away. You do not have to go to the
> dealership for a battery, although the replacement batteries they sell are
> good.
> --[/color]


I'm with Ray on this one. The Check light can be caused by low battery
voltage. The light comes on normally before the car is started, then it goes
out when the motor is running. I don't think the Check light means anything
to you right now, and you need to get a new battery before you start
worrying about other stuff.

Roger that. One of the pime directives of system diagnosis is verifying
proper battery function before trouble shooting anything on the vehicle.
I've seen more than one tech climb up and down MIL diagnostic trees only
to realize after a few hours that the battery has a shorted cell or
something of the like.

Thanks a lot for all of your input. As you all expected the battery
replacement solved all the issues.

Thanking you all once again,
Ravi