My car battery has been ok.It came with my new camry 2004 model.I think I must have left the little lights on (below the headlights ) %26amp; after 3 hrs the car wouldn't start.I then did a jump start with my friends's car %26amp; drove for about 5 miles.After I turned of the engine it refused to start.I also can't shift gears to neutral in order to move the car.Is it time to change the car's battery?
Planing to call AAA to jump start first thing in the morning.But I'm running out of gas too.I would need to take the car to toyota to work on it but need to fill up gas on the way.Is it okay to fill up gas without turning off the engine?
AAA replaces battery's too but I'm not sure if there should be any other problem.How much can I pay for a new battery?
Lotsa questions but I would sure appreciate some answers.The main one being,do I need to go for a new battery?Car not starting.Is it time for a new battery?Well I'd desiring to have the battery tested and trying to charge it fully before deciding on any new battery purchase.Second is really it isn't good for you to pump gas while engine is running but I've known a few ppl that have done so including myself.Most important thing is to keep a solid ground position when pumping the fuel regardless if the car is off you idling a hand should be touching metal on the vehicle and the other pumping the fuel into the tank.Whats more dangerous really is having you car give off a static charge or your cell phone ringing even cam cause issues thats another reason to ground your body before pumping the fuel.
One thing you could do is see once the vehicle is boosted and driven a bit if the lights or dash or it's electrical system seem to be acting up that might suggest that the voltage regulator or alternator isn't working properly but if you can start it up and all the lights etc seem normal pretty once its running then more then likely the alternator or voltage regulator is fine it's just a weak battery or weak connection in the charging system etc.
I'd be checking the alternator belt on it and any belts to see if any are loose , plus check the battery terminals to see if their tight and clean too.
I prefer to carry a portable booster that way you can simply give you car a boost if needed yourself sometimes they run as low as 20 to 30 bucks and are well worth the invest if a good quality product.Another thing you could do is request gas be brought to you by AAA when they come to boost the vehicle.Some consider both a service the bringing of gas then the boost but I don't know exactly how AAA runs it service contracts.
If under warranty or is affecting the warranty that you must use Toyota I'd use their services otherwise just drive to any reliable mechanic or shop that sells automotive batteries and ask for a free charging system check and estimate.
Due to the age of that vehicle it could be rust or corrision in the charging systems connections or simply a weak or dead cell battery.I say the battery is probably the first thing I'd look at or a belt or charging system is the cause here and more then likely bec you can drive it once boosted the alternator must be giving out power but is it enough or is the battery not able to hold a charge for long at all bec of dead cells.
Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way you can ask AAA to check for loose connections etc on the battery or a loose belt but really these are all things they should just naturally look at before boosting anyways.
What I recommend is Interstate battery's and I bet that vehicle of yours would run well with at least a 750 to 850 or more cold amp rated battery.If you can bet a double post battery do it their great if you need a boost or to give boosts or if you ever wish to install it in your next vehicle etc.Heres a link to the company by the way Interstate is what some of the top racing cars in the world use.Just look up your area to find a local sales agent and most outlets will also test your charging system for you too.
http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_esCar not starting.Is it time for a new battery?yea you need a new battery just go to auto zone they can help you. most battery's only last 4to 5 years so you are due.Car not starting.Is it time for a new battery?You may have killed a cell in the battery. Check the voltage with a meter. It should be over 12 volts. These stupid small cars with their small batteries, if you don't drive them for a week or so it can kill the battery. I bought the sears platinum and it hasn't killed it.
Also clean the posts and terminals. get some grease for the posts. New battery won't hurt.Car not starting.Is it time for a new battery?It could be a couple of things. If your car will start with a jump it not the starter, but it could be the battery or the alternator. The best bet is to take it to a shop and get a load test done. It this is not an option start the car turn on the lights, radio, fan, ect and if the car dies you need an alternator and probably a battery. It the car continues to run and the lights don't dim you just need a new battery.Car not starting.Is it time for a new battery?AAA over charges for batteries. You can get one cheaper at Autozone
