Bad battery died while driving

PATT4500

MEMBER
1999 TOYOTA AVALON
177 MILES

I had a battery die while I was driving the other day it was a two year old battery so its time came prior to the battery dying. My car ran great cranks great. All power no signs of no connection aside from dimming, which I attributed to the battery being so warn down, after replacing the battery with a new one my car will not do a full turn over. All power is reaching everything is normal up until the final turn I get a slight rev as if it wants to turn but does not. After doing it five or six times the revs stops and I get the clicking. I do not believe it is the starter alternator, I changed my bad battery terminal to be safe and still nothing. I have seen a few possible solutions but none in depth to help me solve the issue I have. No leaks, no signs of bigger damage everything was fine until the battery died. I believe it is something I missing to properly rectify my situation. Any tips?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Most car batteries last between four and six years, so two years is really premature. I question if it was the battery.

Everything you described to me sounds like the new battery is too weak to crank the engine or you still have a weak connection. Have you tried jump starting the car or charging the battery?

Take a look through this link. It discusses how to load test a battery. Follow the procedure to see if the battery needs charged, is bad, or there is another problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe

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Wednesday, October 17th, 2018 AT 5:37 PM

PATT4500

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I brought this car less than a year ago the battery that died was in the car when I brought it the person I brought from only had it three months and the owner before had it since 2012. It was a Walmart value power 35 class it only had a one year warranty that went out Jan of 2017. I am thinking it is also the battery but I am not sure. I have jumped it but even while on jumper cables it will not turn over. I am at a loss because the starter is engaging power to the alternator. I have changed the terminal that had the most damage that could cause a faulty connection just in case still nothing. Now the battery I have is a Duralast cca 500 the previous was 490. I am thinking it is not enough cca to turn the starter even at 500 cca, but I was told even that would not stop the car from turning over if it was jumped. But everything else I am hearing just does not feel like the right diagnosis. I feel like it is a battery issue or a power down after the battery being out for a couple of days before putting in a new one. But I am here to get any other clues or diagnosis from others as well to shake all the trees.

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Wednesday, October 17th, 2018 AT 10:10 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi again

It should not have shut off while you were driving it. Have you checked alternator output? Also, and I believe you said you did, have you checked the main ground to the engine block as well as confirm that the battery cables are in good condition and tight? Honestly, if you have checked all that and it turns slow when being jumped, it sounds like a bad starter. Do this, lets check the battery first. Do the load test I suggested in the last post. If it is good, then I suggest seeing if the alternator is doing its job. Here is a link for that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

If that passes, then I suggest removing the starter and having it bench tested at a parts store. Most will do it for free. It may be bad internally and drawing too many amps.

Here are the directions for removing the starter. Also, there an exploded view of the starter so you can see all components.

I really feel it is a bad connection (ground at engine) or other connection or the starter itself is bad.

_________________________________

ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

NOTE: Before changing the starter, check the following items again:
- Connector connection
- Accessory installation, e.g.: theft deterrent system
COMPONENTS

REMOVAL
1. REMOVE BATTERY AND TRAY
2. W/ CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM:
REMOVE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR
a. Disconnect the actuator connector and clamp.
b. Remove the 3 bolts, and disconnect the actuator with the bracket.

3. REMOVE STARTER
a. Disconnect the starter connector.
b. Remove the 2 bolts and starter.
c. Remove the nut, and disconnect the starter cable.
Torque: 39 Nm (400 kgf.cm, 29 ft.lbf)

INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

___________________________________

Let me know what you find. Also, a 500 CCA battery should turn the engine with ease.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,
Joe

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