Why won't my car start? (Video)

[JohnnyRockets]

[Edit 6/8]: Solved. Edited title but it won't show in main forum list. Original post below.





20 sec video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF5s15ZbvBw&

Is the battery empty, is it dead, or is something else wrong (like the alternator)?

If the battery _IS_ to blame, how do you know if it is dead or just empty?

Any help would be much appreciated!

[CTScott]

It does look and sound like a dead battery. Try jumper cables or charging it and if it comes back to life. Once you get it running you can go to an auto parts store and have them test the battery to see if it was just low (lights left on or something like that) or if it is failing.

[alanwagen]

Check your terminals on you battery first but it looks like a battery issue.
They will check your battery at the auto supply for free. I prefer the Napa 7535 battery as it fits perfect and is a good battery. Good luck.

[JohnnyRockets]

Check your terminals on you battery first but it looks like a battery issue.
They will check your battery at the auto supply for free. I prefer the Napa 7535 battery as it fits perfect and is a good battery. Good luck.

How do I check the terminals?

I bought this multimeter ages ago for something else: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EK3NRS Is this something I can use to test my battery?

If so, can I test it with the battery in low-power state, or do I have to buy a jumper kit or battery charger first to turn on the car before testing the battery to determine it's bad?

[JohnnyRockets]

Would this jump starter and charger work for the Yaris?


Jump Starter: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XQ9MGE
Charger: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009IBJAS

[alanwagen]

Look for corrosion. Check for tightness. You can use a wrench and take the terminal off and clean them with a battery terminal cleaner (wire brush). If you use a multimeter, you can check voltage (DC) but you cannot check "load". Do this before you jump start it. If you do jump start your car. remember with the cables, Positive on the positive and negative on the negative on both cars.

[JohnnyRockets]

Look for corrosion. Check for tightness. You can use a wrench and take the terminal off and clean them with a battery terminal cleaner (wire brush). If you use a multimeter, you can check voltage (DC) but you cannot check "load". Do this before you jump start it. If you do jump start your car. remember with the cables, Positive on the positive and negative on the negative on both cars.

Picture attached.

Looks like no corrosion, yes?

[WeeYari]

Your positive terminal looks good and clean. Does the negative look that good?

I will say that what you have appears to be the original battery. If I am correct, then that sucker is definitely at end of life. 8 years has been a good run, but it is no doubt shot.

[JohnnyRockets]

Your positive terminal looks good and clean. Does the negative look that good?

I will say that what you have appears to be the original battery. If I am correct, then that sucker is definitely at end of life. 8 years has been a good run, but it is no doubt shot.

The negative seems pretty clean too. Attached are a few additional photos if you want to check it out.

So at this point, do I:
A) Buy a jump starter to (try to) jump start it and drive to Autozone or Pepboys
B) Buy a battery charger to (try to) charge the battery and drive over to Autozone/Pepboys
C) Sign up for AAA to tow my car to Autozone or Pepboys and have them install a battery
D) Buy a battery at Autozone or Pepboys and install it myself?

[alanwagen]

Your battery is very old so to charge will probable be a waste of time and money. The quickest way is to have someone take you up to get a battery or jump the car. If the battery has a shorted cell, it will not even jump. Please note that Autozone or Pepboys may not have an exact fit for your car. They may something smaller.

[bail_w]

Time to replace the battery. Costco Kirkland battery is a great choice.

[JohnnyRockets]

Time to replace the battery. Costco Kirkland battery is a great choice.

How is Autozone Duralast? http://m.autozone.com/autozone-mobile/en/parts/Duralast-Battery/_/N-jou4tZ62mi7?id=561277

[alanwagen]

I don't know about Autozone, but for around the same money you can get a battery from the dealer that will be the exact size. Last I checked, they wanted 99 bucks. Tell us when you get your car started, not much else to debate here.

[hachi-roku_fan]

Take note of the dimensions. I made the mistake of buying one too small and had to make adjustments to make it fit

[JohnnyRockets]

I don't know about Autozone, but for around the same money you can get a battery from the dealer that will be the exact size. Last I checked, they wanted 99 bucks. Tell us when you get your car started, not much else to debate here.

Thanks.

I signed up for a AAA account to get my car towed over to Autozone down the street. I didn't know but AAA sells batteries too! And with free installation! It was $99 for the battery like you said, so I figured I'd go for it and save the $15 since Autozone wanted $114 for a battery, plus saving the time and hassle from towing. The towing place was around the block so literally from the time I started signing up for AAA to the time they installed the battery was about an hour. Holy crap that was fast. :eek:

Ironically, my 8-year old battery was probably just fine. It was probably just empty, since he jump started it and the car turned on without a problem. It's really old so I figured to just replace it anyway. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Good job AAA. Thanks everyone!

[bronsin]

[QUOTE=JohnnyRockets;763241I didn't know but AAA sells batteries too! And with free installation! It was $99 for the battery QUOTE]

Wow AAA sells batteries! Thanks for that it might really come in handy! :bow:

[JohnnyRockets]

I didn't know but AAA sells batteries too! And with free installation! It was $99 for the battery

Wow AAA sells batteries! Thanks for that it might really come in handy! :bow:

Yup. I didn't know that either! The best part? They come to YOU! No need to take your car to the shop. They install a new battery wherever you are. For me, they came to my home. Very convenient. The bad part is of course you have to pay for a membership, which for 1st year is $68. But oh well, at least I get a year of free towing if I need it. AllState roadside assistance charges $99 for a single towing :eek:, so AAA worked out pretty well.

[bronsin]

I have AAA since I cant change tires or jack the car up anymore, so its already paid for.

My battery is 6 years old and Id like to keep it until it dies. But getting to the parts store, r and r ing the old battery and installing the new one is about more than I can do.

Now they can come to me and take care of it all at once! Its a beautiful thing!

[WeeYari]

Ironically, my 8-year old battery was probably just fine. It was probably just empty, since he jump started it and the car turned on without a problem. It's really old so I figured to just replace it anyway.

A car with a dead (not just drained) battery will run fine once jumped. It is relying on the alternator to supply electrical current. The problem is, once you shut the car down again you will discover the battery has lost its ability to hold a charge.

[JohnnyRockets]

A car with a dead (not just drained) battery will run fine once jumped. It is relying on the alternator to supply electrical current. The problem is, once you shut the car down again you will discover the battery has lost its ability to hold a charge.

Ah, got it. Good I purchased a new one then. And supposedly AAA honors their batteries with a 6 year warranty too :eek: