Need advice: battery replacement + alignment - Toyota Yaris Forums

Rain · 05-20-2011, 08:38 PM

Hey guys!

Your prodigal/seasonal YW daughter is back again.

My car has not been doing well lately.
I've had to replace for of my tires last month and I was told I need to get an alignment.
I've yet to get it 'cause I don't know where to go (and I haven't had much free time lately)
So any recommendations on where to get alignment in the Long Beach/LA area?

I managed to have my battery die on me three times this month so I finally took it to Autozone and was told that I need to have it replaced.

I called my dealer and was quoted $100 for battery and installation. Is that a good deal?
If not, where do you recommend I go?

Thanks in advance for your help

Ah Yum · 05-21-2011, 12:25 AM

I picked up a battery from Wal-Mart in Washington state for $45. The auto technician can install it for free if you buy the battery there.

To do it yourself, you need a rachet with a 10mm socket to loosen the terminals and a 10mm deep-well socket to loosen the j-hook that ties down the battery. With tools and being not mechanically savvy, I changed it at the parking lot in 20 mins and returned the old one to get back a recycling deposit fee.

SilverBack · 05-21-2011, 02:48 PM

3 dead batteries in a month isn't right. Are you leaving something on in the car while the engine is off?

Only other thing I can think off is that the alternator isn't working right. Hope you find a cure.

Rain · 05-21-2011, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ah Yum

I picked up a battery from Wal-Mart in Washington state for $45. The auto technician can install it for free if you buy the battery there.

To do it yourself, you need a rachet with a 10mm socket to loosen the terminals and a 10mm deep-well socket to loosen the j-hook that ties down the battery. With tools and being not mechanically savvy, I changed it at the parking lot in 20 mins and returned the old one to get back a recycling deposit fee.

Oh, thanks. I'll check Wal-Mart out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverBack

3 dead batteries in a month isn't right. Are you leaving something on in the car while the engine is off?

Only other thing I can think off is that the alternator isn't working right. Hope you find a cure.

Yeah, I've managed to leave the light on xD
I've also been charging my stupid android phone on it a lot since it doesn't seem to hold a charge

SilverBack · 05-21-2011, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain

Yeah, I've managed to leave the light on xD
I've also been charging my stupid android phone on it a lot since it doesn't seem to hold a charge

lol That could probably be what's doing it.

Also, I didn't know that the charge socket still worked without the keys in the ignition. Must be a sedan-only thing?

Rain · 05-21-2011, 05:54 PM

No, I put it the key on "accessory"

nemelek · 05-21-2011, 06:10 PM

Sometimes Auto Zone will also do it for you.

SilverBack · 05-21-2011, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain

No, I put it the key on "accessory"

Got a house-plug outlet charger?

Rain · 06-01-2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverBack

Got a house-plug outlet charger?

that would be useful if I have a house

why? · 06-02-2011, 12:47 PM

The dealer battery is a terrible deal. I would get a good aftermarket one, and avoid the inexpensive ones.

SilverBack · 06-04-2011, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain

that would be useful if I have a house

WTF... Are you living in your car? LOL

Rain · 06-07-2011, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by why?

The dealer battery is a terrible deal. I would get a good aftermarket one, and avoid the inexpensive ones.

Thanks! Will keep that in mind. I had my car service and dealership told me there's nothing wrong with my battery and I don't need to change it yet. Weird. -_-

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverBack

WTF... Are you living in your car? LOL

I was... not anymore

05-20-2011, 08:38 PM	#1
Rain help! my Yaris shrunk! Drives: 12 Hot Lava iQ/07 Jade Vios Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,748	Need advice: battery replacement + alignment Hey guys! Your prodigal/seasonal YW daughter is back again. My car has not been doing well lately. I've had to replace for of my tires last month and I was told I need to get an alignment. I've yet to get it 'cause I don't know where to go (and I haven't had much free time lately) So any recommendations on where to get alignment in the Long Beach/LA area? I managed to have my battery die on me three times this month so I finally took it to Autozone and was told that I need to have it replaced. I called my dealer and was quoted $100 for battery and installation. Is that a good deal? If not, where do you recommend I go? Thanks in advance for your help

05-21-2011, 12:25 AM	#2
Ah Yum View User's Garage Drives: 2007 Toyota Yaris Sedan Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 36	I picked up a battery from Wal-Mart in Washington state for $45. The auto technician can install it for free if you buy the battery there. To do it yourself, you need a rachet with a 10mm socket to loosen the terminals and a 10mm deep-well socket to loosen the j-hook that ties down the battery. With tools and being not mechanically savvy, I changed it at the parking lot in 20 mins and returned the old one to get back a recycling deposit fee. __________________

05-21-2011, 02:48 PM	#3
SilverBack Joey View User's Garage Drives: '14 Scion xD 5-speed Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: El Monte, Ca Posts: 3,529	3 dead batteries in a month isn't right. Are you leaving something on in the car while the engine is off? Only other thing I can think off is that the alternator isn't working right. Hope you find a cure. __________________ Formerly owned Met-Met. '07 Yaris LB 5-speed. A forum post should be like a skirt: Long enough to cover the subject but short enough to keep things interesting. "I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem." -Hank Hill

05-21-2011, 06:10 PM	#7
nemelek DWEED Drives: 3DR 2008 Metorite Metalic Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,161	Sometimes Auto Zone will also do it for you. __________________ Making a decision without following it with an action is still a fantasy.

06-02-2011, 12:47 PM	#10
why? Only Happy When it Rains View User's Garage Drives: Yaris LB Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: harnett county NC Posts: 4,097	The dealer battery is a terrible deal. I would get a good aftermarket one, and avoid the inexpensive ones. __________________ Colin Chapman disciple

05-21-2011, 05:54 PM	#6
Rain help! my Yaris shrunk! Drives: 12 Hot Lava iQ/07 Jade Vios Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,748	No, I put it the key on "accessory"

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