Issues with recharging 2008 Toyota Yaris

[tmontague]

Originally Posted by CTScott

Sounds like you have an alarm, as the immobilizer just prevents starting. Try cycling the ignition or door lock to kill the horn.

The battery indicators don't mean much. You should test the battery/alternator by measuring the voltage with the engine off and with it running. If you don't have a multimeter many car parts places will test them for free.

I have a multi meter at home but have yet to need to use it on my car. Care to let me know the steps one would take to test the alternator/batter with the car running and not running? I've always been curious as to how you'd hook the meter up to the car to test electrical components and I haven't found a good explanation online as to how to do this.