Battery/Charging Issue

[Clemsonfan15]

I have a little problem that I need some help with.

Background: Bought 4runner 3.5 years ago. Replaced battery 1.5 years ago.

Current: I went on a short trip with my some of my family last Tuesday. I drove up to their house and everything seemed fine. The 4runner sat for two days. When we came back I tried to start it. No luck. All of the lights would turn on, radio worked, etc., but the engine would not turn over. The battery did not have enough power to start the engine. So after a jump I make my way back to my house.

I figured that during the 1 hour 10 minute drive back home the alternator should charge the battery some, at least enough to crank the motor. I even drove with the AC and radio off to draw the least amount of power from the alternator.

I get home and turn it off and then immediately try to crank the engine. No luck.

At this point I'm a little confused. I don't know if I got a bad battery or if something else might be wrong.

The only two things I could think of are:

1. Corrosion on the terminals. Don't know if that could be a big issue though.
2. Amp and subs. I'm only pulling about 800 watts though. I don't think that's enough to drain the battery, especially since I don't play it loud.

Anybody have ideas on why a new battery would only last 1.5 years? Any help would be great.

 

[Shawn5800]

Is the truck actually cranking but not turning over, or is it just making a click noise? Sounds to me like your alternator could be going out the door. Do you notice your lights dimming alot when coming to a stop sign?

I doubt that the battery is faulty after 1.5 years, although i have seen it. 800 watts can definetely play a huge roll in this, especially if your not running a capacitor and your alternator is weak as is.

I would have to say take your alternator off, bring it to an auto place and have it tested, along with your battery. Best way imo.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

It just makes the clicking noise and eventually stops making that noise if you hold it long enough. ~3 seconds.

I've never really seen my lights dim. Well actually the only time is when I'm rolling up the windows or something like that. Not during normal driving though.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I went out and tested the voltage. It reads right around 12.47 Volts. Then I tried to start it again just for the heck of it and it is making the same clicking noise.

The noise is a very rapid clicking. I wonder if it is the starter. Could that be possible?

 

[Singtoe]

Sounds like your battery has crapped out. It should still be under warranty. Take it where you bought it and have them test it.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Appreciate the help guys. Turns out I looked over the easiest solution...corrosion.

I wiped and scrubbed the terminals really well and then sprayed some acid cleaner on them. Put them back on and she fired right up. It's amazing how the simplest thing can make such a big impact.

I guess the corrosion was stopping the starter from getting enough power from the battery.

I tested the alternator under idle and it was reading 14.3 volts. Does that sound about right for idle?

Any tips to stop corrosion from coming back?

 

[MAD 69]

There should have been a can of battery terminal protector right next to the can of cleaner. After thouroghly cleaning your terminals you should coat it with the protector, this has seemed to work for me.

We have been getting weird weather the last few years, I'm sure it's taking a toll on our batteries, I'm resigned to the fact that I'll need a new batt every 1&1/2 to 2 years.

 

[Volley]

Similar thing happened to me recently. I thought my battery took a dump cause I couldn't get it to charge and first attempt at a jump didn't work. Took the battery out and to the store to be tested. Tested fine, said it just needed a really good charge or jump and they cleaned the terminals. Told me to also clean the cable side when I got home. Did that and gave it a good jump. Worked and no problems since.

 

[kball]

Buy either an Optima or Oddessy battery or some other AGM style and you'll never have to worry about corrosion again.

It's the water inside regular batteries that evaporates and causes the corrosion. The gel style batteries don't evaporate.