Help on Electrical problem

[Park]

So my truck just started acting really strange. I think that it might be the alternator. It started out by me trying to start my vehicle and the battery seemed low. And then I went to the gas station and tried to start my vehicle up again and the battery was completely dead. I have somebody help me jumpstart it and after I noticed that it was idling really weird. Now whenever I try to give it throttle the engine starts to bog. Also my brights on my headlights are not working and neither are my auxiliary lights that are tied into the battery. I don't know if this is a wiring issue but I have not had problems like this in the past. Could this be an alternator or a fuse that went out? I could really use some help here thank you

 

[stir_fry_boy]

So my truck just started acting really strange. I think that it might be the alternator. It started out by me trying to start my vehicle and the battery seemed low. And then I went to the gas station and tried to start my vehicle up again and the battery was completely dead. I have somebody help me jumpstart it and after I noticed that it was idling really weird. Now whenever I try to give it throttle the engine starts to bog. Also my brights on my headlights are not working and neither are my auxiliary lights that are tied into the battery. I don't know if this is a wiring issue but I have not had problems like this in the past. Could this be an alternator or a fuse that went out? I could really use some help here thank you

Bad batteries are notorious for creating weird electrical issues with Toyotas. I would check the battery and alternator, replace if bad, and report back with your findings. I wouldn't worry about a thing until you have ruled out a bad battery and/or alternator.

 

[TheDurk]

Bad batteries are notorious for creating weird electrical issues with Toyotas. I would check the battery and alternator, replace if bad, and report back with your findings. I wouldn't worry about a thing until you have ruled out a bad battery and/or alternator.

I agree with that, but it doesn't hurt to take your battery cables off, and clean and tighten them at the same time. Check the insulation for any sign of bubbling which means bad corrosion of the wire underneath. Also remove, clean and replace the fender ground and the one by the diagnostic plug.

All that done, battery and alternator checked, then we can get down to finding the problem--if it's still there.

 

[volkinator]

I agree with that, but it doesn't hurt to take your battery cables off, and clean and tighten them at the same time. Check the insulation for any sign of bubbling which means bad corrosion of the wire underneath. Also remove, clean and replace the fender ground and the one by the diagnostic plug.

All that done, battery and alternator checked, then we can get down to finding the problem--if it's still there.

This... my terminals were 'lose' and this was the culprit. Fires right up and happy as ever.

 

[jeremyc74]

Since it's still acting funny even once it's running, I'd suspect a bad alternator, but I'd start out by checking the connections on the battery just to be sure they're good.

After that, all you need is a simple multi-meter to diagnose it. Check the voltage across the battery terminals with the truck off, and you should be seeing a little over 12V with a fully charged battery. If it's dead obviously it will be lower. Start the truck up and check it again, and you should see 13.2-14.4V. If that looks good, turn on the A/C blower to max, and the headlights to load it up, and check it again. It should still be above 13.2V if the alternator is healthy.

 

[4runnerWiniarski23]

If you find the battery is not bad. Check to make sure all the ground connections are good. In the past I have had ground connections get corroded and cause issues. A wire brush and you should be back in action.

Keep in mind any big name auto parts place can test you battery.