Cranking problem

[cj80cruiser]

At random moments in the last week I have had trouble starting my truck. Cranks fine 14 out of 15 times but then I'll get a really weak crank and truck doesn't want to turn over. I don't have to jump it off but just turn the key 2 or 3 times and it will start. Does this sound like a battery or starter contacts?

P.S. not sure if this is related but maybe worth mentioning since I heard a Toyota mechanic tell me that sometimes the alarm acts funny when the battery is getting weak or has a bad cell or something like that. What my alarm does is sometimes when I lock or unlock the doors with the remote it will beep and sometimes it just locks/unlocks doors with no beep.

What can you guys make of this? I have not taken it to Advance, Autozone, or the like for a free battery test....just wondering your thoughts.

 

[cj80cruiser]

..............no ideas?

 

[brian2sun]

I would suspect the battery 1st so definitely have it tested. How old is it? I doubt it's the contacts, that will give the signature "click" usually without warning. Clean the terminals and check to see that the cables aren't corroding also.

 

[cj80cruiser]

I would suspect the battery 1st so definitely have it tested. How old is it? I doubt it's the contacts, that will give the signature "click" usually without warning. Clean the terminals and check to see that the cables aren't corroding also.

I'm betn that it's the original battery since its a toyota battery unless previous owner bought one from the dealership. Its prolly past time I suspect for a new one but I will have it tested first. I didn't notice any build up on the terminals as in the corrosion typically seen on terminals. I'll just get the battery tested like you said and then go from there. Hope thats all it is as it will be much easier to toss in another battery.

 

[TheDurk]

I'm betn that it's the original battery since its a toyota battery unless previous owner bought one from the dealership. Its prolly past time I suspect for a new one but I will have it tested first. I didn't notice any build up on the terminals as in the corrosion typically seen on terminals. I'll just get the battery tested like you said and then go from there. Hope thats all it is as it will be much easier to toss in another battery.

If it's a Panasonic, it's original. If it's a TrueStart (or something like that), it's a Made in USA dealer replacement. Panasonics were never available in US, TrueStarts never came from the factory.

 

[cj80cruiser]

If it's a Panasonic, it's original. If it's a TrueStart (or something like that), it's a Made in USA dealer replacement. Panasonics were never available in US, TrueStarts never came from the factory.

Ok, yeah I remember that now. It's a TrueStart so I guess its a dealer replacement.