Battery

[bobbarnes]

My Rolla failed to start for the first time ever last week - I've noticed that the starter motor has been turning over more slowly than usual the last few tries. The car is 4.5 years old and and in the 2.5 years since I bought the car I haven't changed the Battery so presumably it's the original.

Can anyone tell me how to do a quick check on the Battery state ? I expected to see some sort of indicator on the Battery but there are just 6 plastic type screw heads ( apart from the terminals ! ).

[T600]

My Rolla failed to start for the first time ever last week - I've noticed that the starter motor has been turning over more slowly than usual the last few tries. The car is 4.5 years old and and in the 2.5 years since I bought the car I haven't changed the battery so presumably it's the original.

Can anyone tell me how to do a quick check on the battery state ? I expected to see some sort of indicator on the battery but there are just 6 plastic type screw heads ( apart from the terminals ! ).

Strange. Toyota batteries usually have a small circular window you can look into to get an indication of charge from the colour that appears.

But in any case, check Battery terminals / clamps are clean before buying a new Battery.

[don21]

Suppose the days are gone when toyota batteries used to last seven or eight years.

[TheSpannerMonkey]

i thought all newer shape corollas had sealed batteries (without visible screw caps) so it might not be the original Battery, but then it might just be a diesel thing or i might be mistaken.

but anyway, if you have a multimeter, check the voltage and it should be between 12.5 to 13.5 volts, if its low then start the engine and check that the voltage increases to 13.5 to 14.5 volts, if it doesnt raise at all or it raise but not over 13.5volts then either you have an alternator or wiring problem, but if it does have the right voltage then the the alternator is working, and you should check for a drain, make sure everything is turned of, and disconnect the negative terminal (obviously check that your alarm and radio will not be affected, but on an e12 you should be ok), and put a ammeter between the Battery and the terminal, with everything of (keys out, lights of, all doors closed) there should only be between 0-0.25 amps going through the system, if its over this then you have an excessive drain, probably something shorting or a faulty componant, if it reads zero, open the drivers door and it should go up a little so you know the ammeters working

i hope that helps, sorry if i waffled abit, i seem to find that i start talking waffle when i get a chance to talk about cars since i left the garage, if you havent got a multimeter, it might beworth getting one cause there very useful and i think you can pick one up for about 40 quid, but otherwise your local garage should have a dedicated Battery tester and/or alternater tester

one other thing also i dont know what your mechanical knowledge is like so please ignore me if you know this, but obviously its been a particularly cold winter this year, so that can tend to help batteries loose charge, but also being as you have a diesel, it can take longer for the engine to start if the glow plugs arent being given long enough to heat up, which will drain the battery quicker, add that to several short trips and the battery can discharge low enough to not start quite quickly, i have seen this quite a few times cos i worked for a toyota garage in bexhill, which is generally refered to as gods waiting room, i doubt this is the case here tho but its worth thinking about

[Red Yaris 54]

Good advice there

Digital multimeters can be obtained from Maplins for as little as £4-99

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Module...ter&doy=3m1

[TheSpannerMonkey]

do they have ammeters on them, and if not do you know how much for one with, cos my doesnt have one

[Red Yaris 54]

do they have ammeters on them, and if not do you know how much for one with, cos my doesnt have one

"• Measures AC and DC voltage, DC current and resistance, transistor and diode test

• Ideal for hobbyist, workshop, DIY and home applications

• Large size digit LCD screen and data-hold option

Test leads included

Approx. exterior dimensions (excluding leads) 165 x 76 x 32mm

This mid-sized handheld multimeter is really packed with functions at a great price. As well as all the features you would usually expect with a multimeter of this type, this little gem has a large 31/2 digit LCD display and a data hold option. Ideal for hobbyist, workshop, DIYers and home applications."

[bobbarnes]

I was trying to find a quick visual method but 4.99 seems like a good deal so I shall get one and test.

I always wait for the glow-plug light to go out especially in this weather. It didn't start first time after a long motorway trip and the temp was about +6 degrees hence my thinking that the Battery could be on it's way out.

The Battery diagram in the manual looks exactly like mine with the six screw holes. I take it this means it's a Battery that needs topping up with distilled water ?

[bobbarnes]

I meant to say the day after a long motorway trip.

[Parts-King]

As soon as there is a sniff of frost in the air, you will see Battery sales go through the roof. Ice and frost are a big strain on a Battery, it takes more effort to crank over, and you also have your lights/heater/rear screen heater etc etc switched on. Toyota dealers do a range of Batteries called "Optifit" and they are a very good price.

Don21:

I remember the days not too long ago where Toyota batteries lasted ten years or more!, but nowadays, it is more likely to be five or six years. The Optifit batteries are warranted for three years

Kingo