Thursday, September 15, 2011

How do I know if I need to change the alternator, alternator belt, battery or all of the above?

I have a 1990 Toyota Camry that runs fine but doesn't like to get started. It turns right on when you jump it and before that the lights work fine. So I don't think it's the battery. How do I know if it's the alternator or just the belt? Appreciate any help.
How do I know if I need to change the alternator, alternator belt, battery or all of the above?
Take a multitester and measure battery voltage it should read 12 volts. Then start the car and measure voltage at the battery again. It should be ideally 14.4 volts but 14 range is good. If the voltage on the battery is drastically under 12 volts the suspect is the battery. if it is under 14 then it is likely the alternator or the voltage regulator, or even a loose alternator belt as stated. If you do not have a multitester you can go to a checker shucks cragan and have them check the battery and alternator, they will test them for free. Another thing to check is for your battery cables and terminals to be in good shape tight and clean. i hope this helps.....
How do I know if I need to change the alternator, alternator belt, battery or all of the above?
Auto zone will test your alternator and battery for free ( perk of their biz to bring in customers ) If it runs fine when its already started then the alternator is working, if it doesnt hold a charge or has a hard time turning over and starting then its the battery. the belt wont affect any of these unless if it was off but you can look at it and see if its worn ( any fread edges or missing peices)
If you are saying that if you jump it it will starts right up, then one of two things are bad.....battery or starter. If the battery is up to power then I would start looking at the starter. If the battery can't hold a load the look at the alternator or battery. Good Luck.
Run the car at night with the headlights on. Then rev the engine, if the lights brighten and dim with the revs, its the alternator
possibly a dead cell in your battery so now your pushing 10 volts instead of the 12 you need. almost every parts store will test the battery for free.
You can take the battery and alt. to Auto Zone and have them tested they do this for free.
if it stays running after the jump or boost then its the altenator...if it dont then its booth..either way go for them battery and alt...

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