Toyota Novice

I'm looking to figure out why my battery slowly dies even though my alternator tests good and my battery tests good at the parts store. They've also said that the electrical output isn't what it should be when I rev the engine up. The battery & e-brake dash lights come on together before the battery dies, but the truck still drives if I can get it started. I heard about voltage regulators, but believe mine is internal (93 22re) in the alt. Also heard that wiring might be bad, so I'm trying to figure out how to test all the different grounds and connections between the battery, alt & fuse box. Any tricks/tips/advice much appreciated!!

vang_22re

It could be anything but start out by looking to see if your positive and negitive terminal lines are coroaded or not. Perhaps changing your battery terminal or cleaning them. Those can be possiblities.

1990yota-pickup

take it toyota, say its under the recall..

BigBluePile

iTrader: (3)

Have you put a stereo in lately?

eddieleephd

x2 or any other electrical item....

Check the starter solenoid to be sure it is not getting stuck in the on position!
as well if your radio does not turn off automatically then that could drain your batt as well!!

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Number 1 is the belt that drives the alternator tight it should deflect no more than 1/2" when pressed with your thumb.

as stated battery terminals corroded perhaps it is time to upgrade to larger ground cables.

Also check your B terminal wire off your alternator sometimes these also corrode and need to be replaced also the plugs on the alternator have been known to corrode .

The fact that the lights for low battery and e brake come on mean there is a loss of voltage and you are running off the battery which will drain it.

I wish you well.

eddieleephd

wyoming9 has a very good point be sure to check all connections for corrosion and clean reconnect and use Di-electric grease on top and for plugs use a little in the plug to help remove corrosion and prevent further corrosion...

Toyota Novice

To answer a couple a couple of your questions-- no I haven't installed a radio, and yes I've cleaned my battery terminals off real good. I will be replacing the alternator belt, as it is old and starting to come apart, and I'm hoping that might be the problem (thanks for the tip Wyoming9!). A visual check of my wires doesn't show me much, as they're all wrapped up in tape, but if replacing the belt doesn't work I'll get to figure out how to use my newly acquired multi meter! Wish me luck...

eddieleephd

And these wires that you are talking about go to the alternator? Wyoming9 was pointing out the connections on the alternator itself for corrosion including the plug that plugs in to it, there is also a wire straight off the alternator that goes in to the Accessory box and uses a nut to tighten it up check this connection as well, we are pointing these things out because you have said that you had it tested and if the alternator tests good then it is usually a bad connection from it or a ground. Be sure to check all of these..
the belt may be a culprit so this is a good thing to change... didn't hear you say about the Starter Relay?? also lightly coat "ever so slightly" the connections as a matter of fact you can apply di-electric grease and then wipe with a clean rag some will remain to prevent corrosion and help get rid of any that is there now....

ins0mnia37

Do you have anything electrical not stock? and if you do do you park and idle often? your alternator wont charge your battery if its give or take around 1500 rpms or under....

Irish Death

Does it drain over night, over the weekend...How long from full does it take to drain?

If its overnight...when you get home disconnect the battery completely...come out in the morning and see if it still has charge...good way to really eliminate a battery issue...

I usually redo most of my major cables shortly after getting into a rig...Just reduces the chance that wiring is an issue.

Philbert

iTrader: (2)

have you tried to isolate it this way?
http://www.ehow.com/how_2249402_find...ery-drain.html

1990yota-pickup

how old is your battery?

do you have a cheap wal-mart autozone type battery..

you better have atleast 7yr manuafactures warrenty

buy cheap, have problems.. bottomline...

brian2sun

error, sorry.

1990yota-pickup

for a 7yr warrenty you just gotta look a the battery when you buy it, most are 3yr or around 7yrs..

buy a battery float maintianer.. it will no over charge the battery, and you wont have to worry the next time you go out to start the truck.

i got a couple of battery tenders from wallmart made by black and decker the were under 20 bucks.... a peice....

Toyota Novice

Well, thanks for all the ideas and info. Wyoming9 wins first prize for picking the problem! (I guess that's why he's a "contributing member" and not just a "registered user"!)My alternator belt had over an inch of play and was pretty tattered. I put new belts on and she runs like a champ.
Thanks to all though.

eddieleephd

I am glad you got it fixed soo cheap. Remember those things are supposed to be changed every so often....