Clicking noise when trying to start, alternator?
04-02-2009, 06:05 AM
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Clicking noise when trying to start, alternator?
Hey guys,
I noticed my car struggling to start 2 days ago, the next day in the morning i try to start it up and all i get is this fast clicking noise while the key is turned. At first i thought it as the starter contacts but then remembered that i had new ones and a plunger replaced about two years ago. Then i jiggled the wire connected to the alternator on the side and it started up. Now this morning i had to turn the key for 5 seconds about 2 times before my car slowly started.
Anyone experience something like this? could it be the alternator? i can't get it tested right now at Autozone because of the rain.
I noticed my car struggling to start 2 days ago, the next day in the morning i try to start it up and all i get is this fast clicking noise while the key is turned. At first i thought it as the starter contacts but then remembered that i had new ones and a plunger replaced about two years ago. Then i jiggled the wire connected to the alternator on the side and it started up. Now this morning i had to turn the key for 5 seconds about 2 times before my car slowly started.
Anyone experience something like this? could it be the alternator? i can't get it tested right now at Autozone because of the rain.
04-02-2009, 06:27 AM
#2
Sounds like your battery is not fully charged. Could be alternator is going out and not putting out enough volts/amps to charge battery when running. Do you have a volt meter? I would check the charging volts at battery when the truck is running. Should be more then 12 volts. I think mine runs at 13-14 and my alternator is weak. How old is your battery? It might not be accepting a charge. You can determine that by testing charging volts when running.
04-02-2009, 06:41 AM
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The battery is at least 3-4 years old, i'm on my way right now to autozone to have the alternator and battery checked.
Another thing, when im stopped at a light i can see the light on the dashboard fade and come back.
Another thing, when im stopped at a light i can see the light on the dashboard fade and come back.
Last edited by irunner; 04-02-2009 at 06:42 AM. Reason: edit
04-02-2009, 07:43 AM
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Just got back from Autozone they checked both the battery and alternator, the alternator was good but the battery was bad, i had 3 months left on the 3 year warranty so i got in just in time to get a free replacement, all works good now.
04-02-2009, 07:48 AM
#6
Toyota's alternators are pretty well bulit proof..unless soaked in oil/fluids and bushings wear out.....Also don't forget that an alternator needs voltage to make voltage..If a cell goes internally in a battery,or a bad connection at the battery.. it may not be enough source voltage to get the alt. to output properly....Just a heads-up
I am glad it was only a battery,3-5yrs is about all you can expect from one.
I am glad it was only a battery,3-5yrs is about all you can expect from one.
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