1989 Toyota Camry Problem Holding a Charge

SSHUAIB88

MEMBER
1989 TOYOTA CAMRY

Engine Mechanical problem
1989 Toyota Camry 6 cyl Automatic 199, 00 miles

My problem started about 1 or 2 months ago when my car wouldnt start. I tried to jump it and it wouldn't charge then my dad switched his battery with mine and it started and my battery worked in his car. My car drove fine for about four days and then it died I jumped it and it charged but it was parked for a few hours and I had to jump it again (it took longer to charge this time) and it barely made it home (about 3 miles). My dad replaced the brushes and then ended up replacing the alternator with a used one. This didnt last long because when I would drive at night the lights would dim when I was deccelarating but they would brighten as I accelarated and if I drove for about 10 minutes my car would be on the verge of dying if I stopped for too long. So I bought a brand new alternator and it seemed like the dimming stopped for a few days but it began again and now everytime I turn my car off I have to jump it to get it to start. HELP!

1 Reply

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

Check for coroded terminals on the battery, even though they might look ok. Check all the wires going to the altinator. Make sure the ground is tight and clean. With the light becomming brighter when you drive and go low when you idle there seems to be a bad wire or the voltage regulator in the altinator could be bad. I don't think that this is it so check the wiring.