Weird Electrical Issue

[matthewkristof]

Original 07 Sport owner here, 255k miles in the rig. Got an odd electrical issue that I can really put my finger on.

Sometimes at startup, the runner will do a quick hiccup; this usually involves a flicker of the dash lights then the car fires up. The rear window wiper will also go, even though the stalk is in the off position.

I changed the starter about 5k miles ago. I haven’t done anything in the car lately other than change some climate change bulbs. Maintenance over the fifteen years has been normal and nothing major. No codes when running hooking up an OBD2 reader.

Kinda at a loss. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Kevin G.]

Pretty sure the battery is starting to go bad. The rear wiper system is resetting due to voltage drop at startup.

Check the battery cranking voltage.

Hope this helps.

Kevin

 

[AuSeeker]

Original 07 Sport owner here, 255k miles in the rig. Got an odd electrical issue that I can really put my finger on.

Sometimes at startup, the runner will do a quick hiccup; this usually involves a flicker of the dash lights then the car fires up. The rear window wiper will also go, even though the stalk is in the off position.

I changed the starter about 5k miles ago. I haven’t done anything in the car lately other than change some climate change bulbs. Maintenance over the fifteen years has been normal and nothing major. No codes when running hooking up an OBD2 reader.

Kinda at a loss. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

The rear wiper coming on is sure sign of a bad battery as mentioned.

 

[matthewkristof]

Thank you for the replies. Battery was just replace by Toyota in June so I’m pretty shocked it’s dying so quickly.

Does not driving it everyday affect battery life? It’s no longer my daily driver but still driven 3-5 times per week, minimum.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Thank you for the replies. Battery was just replace by Toyota in June so I’m pretty shocked it’s dying so quickly.

Does not driving it everyday affect battery life? It’s no longer my daily driver but still driven 3-5 times per week, minimum.

What about the alternator? Has it been replaced? My original alternator recently died at 229K. A bad one can take the battery with it.

 

[Seymore Butts]

The first two diagnostic tests in your case:

Battery voltage with engine off, after the car hasn't been started for at least 12 hours. Longer would be better.

Charging system voltage with engine running, measured at the battery. (should be between 13.2 and 14.2)

 

[matthewkristof]

Tested the battery after no driving for over 36 hours. Cold start. Voltage hovered around 12.33.

Started car and let it run for a few minutes. Voltage hovered around 13.73.

Given that my alternator has never been changed, and that this battery is three months old on with 255k+ miles, looking like the alternator is the culprit.

 

[Kevin G.]

Measure the voltage WHILE CRANKING.......NOT while sitting off, or engine running.

Your may need a recording voltmeter, such as a Fluke 87.

Hope this helps.

Kevin

 

[caninerelated]

I too have weird electrical issues. Driver side window has no power. Power to all other windows. I've changed out the master switch as well as the regulator and motor. I'm stumped. Super frustrating not having power to that window. Any suggestions?

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