A Toyota automobile is one of the most reliable companions you can find on the road today. Nonetheless, every complicated machine has its potential hiccups, and a vehicle is no exception to the list. A standard car contains thousands of interconnected pieces and parts that can break down or fail to deliver the function you need.
Fortunately, the most common causes of a breakdown are quickly or easily fixable with the right skill, knowledge, and resources. All you need to do is work out the pesky bugs to solve the problem at hand. Read through our list of troubleshooting tips to get your Toyota back on the roadASAP.
Battery Blues: Test for Possible Replacement
If your Toyota lacks a normal starting operation, the problem often falls into two categories: a loose battery connection or a completely dead battery. A battery voltage test can assess if the starting problem relates to the battery. A battery that doesn’t fall into the standard voltage rating for the vehicle model needs replacement. Changing an old or weak battery is the easiest solution to avoid needing a jumpstart from strangers.
Otherwise, the connections on the battery might have stains or corrosion. This build-up hinders the connection between the battery and the rest of the vehicle. If so, carefully detach the pole cables and remove the battery from the circuit to clean off the damaging build-up. After, reconnect the terminals and cables to see if the battery functions as expected.
Alternative Failure: Double-Check Your Alternator
If you know that the battery in your vehicle is good or new, an alternative fix could be checking the generator that charges the battery. Alternators produce the electrical currents that act as the beating heart of the vehicle, and while they don’t fail often, these parts cause trouble if defective.
Alternators break down in older models—or when you run the vehicle too hard—causing the internal electrical systems to stop operating. To get your Toyota back on the road, you’ll need to rule out other electrical issues before replacing your alternator. Our top troubleshooting tip is to check its functioning with an easy test. Remove the negative cable from the battery when the engine is running. The alternator is likely at fault if the vehicle stalls or dies.
A Broken Connection: Examine the Starter Motor
A malfunctioning starter connection is another issue to keep a close eye out for. A starter motor has a limited lifespan and will break down after heavy or long-term use. If you hear a distinct clicking sound when trying to start your Toyota, suspect that you need to change it out. To confirm that suspicion, test the circuit lead on the starter wire. If the starter’s current doesn’t spin, a replacement will ensure that proper engine rotation.
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