Flat Battery

[podwin]

Hi,

We are having some problems with our mark 1 Rav 4.

We bought it in August this year, but soon after buying it we had a flat Battery, even though we had a very good RAC inspection on it, which did not through up any problems with the charging circuit.

We thought because it was the original Battery it had just got a little past it.

Well I now think the car has some kind of electrical probem.

The alarm seems to trigger, but no one hears it because the siren has had it.

The new Battery is now nearly dead, a neighbour has told us the rear right hand side indicator has been flashing, and I could hear a rely clicking. Why would that be.

Is there a way to disable the alarm to elinate that from my enquiries.

It also has a tow bar, is it worth disconnecting the electric on that?

Any help gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

Martin

[bothwell_buyer]

Hi,

We are having some problems with our mark 1 Rav 4.

We bought it in August this year, but soon after buying it we had a flat battery, even though we had a very good RAC inspection on it, which did not through up any problems with the charging circuit.

We thought because it was the original battery it had just got a little past it.

Well I now think the car has some kind of electrical probem.

The alarm seems to trigger, but no one hears it because the siren has had it.

The new battery is now nearly dead, a neighbour has told us the rear right hand side indicator has been flashing, and I could hear a rely clicking. Why would that be.

Is there a way to disable the alarm to elinate that from my enquiries.

It also has a tow bar, is it worth disconnecting the electric on that?

Any help gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

Martin

I've a '94 RAV - replaced the Battery a couple of times (had the car from new). The Battery is fairly small and if the car is standing for 10 days or so it normally needs a jump start. From what you say, have you checked the output from the alternator? And the Battery connections + earth connection to to body? The tow bar electrics shouldn't affect the battery as its only an extension of the rear lighting wiring. As regards the alarm, I can't help you - mine worked fine until a garage disabled the whole thing when replacing the engine ! Before that it would behave oddly when the battery was low.

Ian

[Boro Sera]

I had an alarm on a previous car that worked fine, but periodically it would play up and drain the Battery in a matter of hours. I just stopped arming it and it cured the drain. Alarms are good till they start to fail, then they cause no end of hassle.

[Uncle Bob]

Hi,

We are having some problems with our mark 1 Rav 4.

We bought it in August this year, but soon after buying it we had a flat battery, even though we had a very good RAC inspection on it, which did not through up any problems with the charging circuit.

We thought because it was the original battery it had just got a little past it.

Well I now think the car has some kind of electrical probem.

The alarm seems to trigger, but no one hears it because the siren has had it.

The new battery is now nearly dead, a neighbour has told us the rear right hand side indicator has been flashing, and I could hear a rely clicking. Why would that be.

Is there a way to disable the alarm to elinate that from my enquiries.

It also has a tow bar, is it worth disconnecting the electric on that?

Any help gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

Martin

Could well be a faulty alarm...you may need to talk to Toyota about it :( .

second thoughts...we have a Toyota mechanic in the club, i'll go find his name, he maybe able to help.

....Guys called Ray99 give him a PM.

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showuser=31390

[podwin]

Thanks for the replies peeps!

The Battery does look small, and I have thought about getting a non-standard larger item, but I had trouble finding one which would fit, terminal wise. I bought 2 and took them back, only to get one from the Toyota dealer in the end which did fit.

I have booked the Rav into the dealers where hopefully they can disable the alarm. There doesn't seem to be a way not to arm it when locking the car via the fob. We are now pressing the lock button twice every time which deactivates the internal sensors. We usually do that when leaving the dog in the car.

The Rav is driven everyday at best, every other day at worst. It was used on the 24th, we went away for the 25th and left the Rav at home. When we came back on the 26th and it was flat. Though I really now do think it is to do with the alarm with what the neighbours said.

I have asked the dealer to check the charging circuit and if there is any drain.

The missus wants the tow bar removing anyway as she bangs her ankles on it, so if anyone wants a tow bar make me an offer!.

I'll PM Ray99, thanks for that.

Cheers

Martin