Battery Drain And Idling Problem

[chrisandkelly]

Hi everyone. This is my first post here, although I've been a member for a while.

My wife has a 2002 2.0 petrol VX model. It only gets used at weekends as we both work in central London. When it has been left for a week, the Battery goes flat (some power but not enough to turn the engine over). I replaced the Battery in February and that seemed to solve the problem for a while but then it has started happening again.

The car had an aftermarket alarm fitted, presumably by the previous owner. I have disconnected this and the Battery seems to last a little bit longer but still goes flat over about a week. I have read that the petrol Rav battery is a bit weak for the purpose so am thinking of putting a diesel one in - any thoughts?

Secondly, when the battery has been disconnected then reconnected (I've been disconnecting it to stop it draining), there seems to be a problem with engine idling when stopped eg at junctions etc where the revs drop to under 600 rpm and sometimes the engine cuts out altogether. After the car has been driven for a while this problem seems to disappear.

Finally, what mileage is the cam belt due to be changed?

Oh by the way, I've checked the battery with my multimeter and the values - engine off, engine runnign etc were all within "normal" range.

Thanks.

Chris

[pmb]

Hi and welcome. I have exactly the same vehicle. The original Toyota Battery lasted 6-7 years but the replacement I put in 15-18 months ago hasn't been great. I only currently do short journeys but have had to charge it several times. I don't understand why an aftermarket alarm was needed as the OE is fine. I have the same issue with idling but find after a bit of highish speed running it becomes OK. It isn't a cam belt but a chain. Are you referring to the auxiliary belt? If so , don't think there is a recommended mileage but the Haynes manual just says renew it when it needs it due to deteriation. If I buy another Battery it will be a higher amp hour rating.

[chrisandkelly]

Thanks for the reply PMB - I am sorry you have the same problem, but at least we are not alone!

Can anyone recommend a decent independent Toyota specialist in the Uxbridge, Middlesex area?

Cheers

[bothwell_buyer]

it comes down to simply the size of the space left for the Battery = a small Battery. You can buy a higher AH capacity Battery but the same problem will exist.

I think there have been posts in the past, regarding trickle charging batteries - its a problem for classic cars as well.

Depends on whether you have the facility to connect a trickle charger. And I'm sure there has been debate about using solar PV panels to give the battery a small pep-up.

If you disconnect the battery, it still needs to have some trickle charge to keep it alive.

If my RAVs are left for much more than a week without use, then the battery can sometimes be 'flat'. It doesn't need much of a drop in voltage to render it 'flat'.

[chrisandkelly]

I keep one of these charged up in the boot. Works a treat.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_183849_langId_-1_categoryId_165629

Just a bit of a pain having to jump start the thing so often! Will have a look and see what the biggest capacity Battery I can shoe horn under the bonnet.

[Jamesbelfast]

Before condemning the Battery or alternator it may be worth checking if the car has an unusual parasitic voltage drain when parked up.:)

[chrisandkelly]

Before condemning the battery or alternator it may be worth checking if the car has an unusual parasitic voltage drain when parked up.:)

I'm happy it isn't the alternator - it's charging fine (multimeter gives reading of around 14.5V at idle). Battery is only a few months old. I've tried to get a reading for current drain with everything off but not managed to (multimeter should be able to do it but it is a cheap one). My original thought was parasitic drain from an aftermarket alarm (previous owner no doubt fitted it after bad advice from an insurance company) so disconnected it. That did help a bit (Battery lasts a bit longer than it used to) but it still drains over a period of about a week. It does seem this is a pretty common problem with many just living with it!

[pmb]

Just had a look at the brochure and it says 27Ah for manual petrol , 36Ah for auto petrol and 55Ah for diesel. The one I bought (Numax 057) is rated at 45Ah so I am surprised at it's poor performance. Might get my multimeter out tomorrow and check for current drain. Couldn't fault the original sealed Battery at all.

[crofter]

I too have had a problem with the Battery running down and did the usual checks with a multimeter which showed acceptable voltage reading.

After recharging, things were fine for a few days then it ran down again.

Took the old girl (the car,silly!)to the local Battery supplier who carried out a static test on both the Battery and charging system,both were fine!

Did a bit of head scratching,and lot of removing splinters from under the fingernails, I thought that although the charging voltage was correct,the only unit being driven was the alternator,but when the car was moving other strains were placed on the drive belt and maybe causing it to slip.

I fitted a new belt and so far have not any more trouble. Tempting fate or what,eh.

[bothwell_buyer]

There could be an issue with the alternator output if the car is being used for short journeys with fans, lights, radio etc etc on. Its not a big alternator either cos it has to fit into a small space too.