I originally thought the problem was the alternator when the car would not start in cold weather (Sep-Oct 08). I ended up getting a new battery and it seemed to help until yesterday. I drove the car about 30 miles, parked it for 30 mins and came out to find it unable to start or to be jump started. I played with the terminals and fuses and eventually it started.
That night I took it for a drive and it died while running. I was unable to restart and ended up towing it to a dealer. The dealer keeps trying to tell me its the battery but Im sure its the alternator or some electrical issue draining the battery. ECU looked good, terminal connections tight and free of corrosion, all hoses connected.
I told them to check the alternator, fuses, coil wire, ignition switch and injectors...but they keep insisting its only the battery. Any other suggestions?
I would buy a cheap Votage meter from Walmart or Radio Shack and check voltage at the Battery. It should be 12.5 or more. Red positive lead of meter goes to red Battery wire. Black lead goes to black Battery wire on top of Battery.
You can check Alternator charging too, the same way The Voltage should jump to 12.8-13.5 volts. My Toyota would shut off and then start back up after moving the connection to the big fuses in the engine compartment Good Luck.
There is a chance that the battry is faulty but there is also a chance that the alternator is drawing voltage back out of the battry when its not charging, this would be because the diods that stop the voltage flowing back have broken down. to see if this is the problem charge the battry,refit, but put a bulb in line on the possitive teminal if its glowing bright the alternator is drawing back try disconecting the altenator and testing it again if the bulb stops glowing you know its the altenator, dont forget the interior light will make it glow too. its also worth checking the earth straps.
Regards JR
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