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Battery problem, maybe alternator...
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angeloglorioso
New User
Jun 28, 2008, 2:13 PM
Post #1 of 3
(1600 views)
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Battery problem, maybe alternator...
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...so I browsed a lot before posting and realized I'll just go ahead and post my little story. My girlfriend has a '92 Toyota Corolla. Last week, we were driving home from camping and the battery light and brake light turned on. She thought she noticed the dashboard lights dim a bit. Anyways, we got home safely about an hour later. Then, this morning, about a week later, she went grocery shopping. When she came out the car wouldn't start. Just click-click-click you know. Nothing seemed strange on the drive to the store though.
So I bought her a new battery and put it in. It started up quickly, no problems except for the fact that the battery light is still on. She only drove it for about 2 minute then she was home. Could it be that the computer system in the vehicle needs more time to recognize there is no battery problem? If not, does this sound like an alternator problem? If so, how bad is it to buy one that has been fixed? Keep in mind, we both and pretty broke and cannot afford much at this point. It'd even be tough to by one of those voltometers. We already plan on driving it to an autoparts store tomorrow to get the alternator tested.
One last question, if we wind up fixing it ourselves, how tough is it to do? I have very minimal mechanical skills, but I'm also pretty good at following directions and taking things apart and putting them back together. I could probably figure it out if we can't find someone to help us in the neighborhood. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
(This post was edited by angeloglorioso on Jun 28, 2008, 2:18 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 28, 2008, 6:11 PM
Post #2 of 3
(1594 views)
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Re: Battery problem, maybe alternator...
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http://www.autozone.com/...artTypeResultSet.htm
That's alternators from AutoZone - not so cheap
Don't wait with this as it will hurt your new battery. Alternator is highly likely the fault. You can get it tested to verify. Look for any problems with wires to it or anything unusual, fusible links, fuse - if somehow on a separate belt the "bat" light would come on dash too if belt broke. Doubt that.
NOTE: The "brake" light is more important! Was it out with the new battery? It may have been dim from bulbs being close in dash or something. Check brake fluid if still on. If very low it needs investigating but may mean worn brakes or parking brake switch or won't release fully. Check that out and don't let $$ stop you from fixing that one!
On a budget try a guaranteed used one. There were a couple different ones listed - I guess one was rare as it said not available??
T
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angeloglorioso
New User
Jun 29, 2008, 5:53 PM
Post #3 of 3
(1587 views)
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Re: Battery problem, maybe alternator...
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Thanks for the advice Tom, much appreciated.
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