Electric Problem, battery and alternator are fine. 1984 camry

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

billy269 - 30 Dec 2007 22:04 GMT

I can jump start it and it runs fine, but when I let it sit for a day or so
there is not enough power to start the car again. The lights can go on,
but there is not enough power to start the engine. I just bought a new
battery 3 months ago and had it tested yesterday and it is fine, I took
out the alternator and had it tested and its fine. I also used a wire
brush and cleaned up all of the connections. If it is not the alternator
or battery and the car jump starts fine, what could be the problem? Thank
you very much for any help!!!!!

--
Message posted using http://www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.toyota.camry/
More information at http://www.talkaboutautos.com/faq.html

Reply to this Message

Nobody Important - 30 Dec 2007 22:14 GMT

> I can jump start it and it runs fine, but when I let it sit for a day or so
> there is not enough power to start the car again. The lights can go on,
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> or battery and the car jump starts fine, what could be the problem? Thank
> you very much for any help!!!!!

With the engine off, disconnect the positive wire from the battery and
connect an ammeter between the battery and the lead you just
disconnected. If the current is more than a few milliamps to keep the
clock alive, you have a ground leak somewhere.

Reply to this Message

johngdole@hotmail.com - 31 Dec 2007 03:01 GMT

Right on! I don't know where the consensus is in terms of mA amount,
depending on electronics (clock, ECU memory, alarm, etc). But with
over a few hundred mA it's definitely in trouble.

> With the engine off, disconnect the positive wire from the battery and
> connect an ammeter between the battery and the lead you just
> disconnected. If the current is more than a few milliamps to keep the
> clock alive, you have a ground leak somewhere.

Reply to this Message

ransley - 30 Dec 2007 23:10 GMT

> I can jump start it and it runs fine, but when I let it sit for a day or so
> there is not enough power to start the car again. The lights can go on,
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> Message posted usinghttp://www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.toyota.camry/
> More information athttp://www.talkaboutautos.com/faq.html

The load of the starter should be tested, What is battery V after a
day, it should be near 13.5. The cables at the battery may be fine but
not on the other connection.

Reply to this Message

JM - 31 Dec 2007 14:40 GMT

>I can jump start it and it runs fine, but when I let it sit for a day or so
> there is not enough power to start the car again. The lights can go on,
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> http://www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.toyota.camry/
> More information at http://www.talkaboutautos.com/faq.html

I would look towards the EARTH STRAP too especially the connection at the
chassis end.

The started draws a lot of current and any resistance built up there with
corrosion
is bad.

If you have a volt meter you might just measure the volts in static Circa
12.6 volts.
When it fired up and the alternator is rotating look for a rise to maybe
Circa 14.5 volts.
These measurements should be DIRECT at the battery terminals.

Maybe remove both these main battery cables and clean up anyway.

Yes the other good comment is Leakage with a meter on CURRENT in series
with either battery terminal.

Let us know what you find

Johnny UK

Reply to this Message

Richard Ackerman - 31 Dec 2007 21:25 GMT

>I can jump start it and it runs fine, but when I let it sit for a day or so
> there is not enough power to start the car again. The lights can go on,
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>like a light or something is not shutting off. Chcek all lights including
>glove box, etc.

Reply to this Message