Charging issue

Most Truestart and Interstate batteries are private labeled and made by Johnson Controls along with other brands like EverStart (Walmart) and DuraLast (AutoZone) and many others. Interstate has a large nationwide distribution system to dealers selling JCI batteries and they are often confused as being the manufacturer. JCI is one of the largest, if not the largest, car battery manufacturer in the world.

 

I finally heard back from the dealer today. They cannot duplicate the no-start, and I was told to come and pick up my truck. There is definitely an issue, I'm not sure how to proceed from here. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

Next time it happens record it on your phone then you have evidence to show the Dealer the problem.

 

Check and clean battery terminals, check battery cables for corrosion (could be inside the cable insulation inspect closely).

 

I would hope my dealer would have inspected the battery terminals, if not when they replaced the battery, then when I brought it in with this issue!

 

x2. The battery and vehicle charging system are codependent on each other. I am assuming you have had a discussion with the dealer's service manager. If so, I would have the battery and charging system tested at an auto parts or battery dealer for a second opinion. There is usually no charge for this service. If the problem is not resolved and I did not know how to test for voltage drop and parasitic load testing, I would take my vehicle to a good auto electric shop and pay for 30 minutes of fault isolation testing. If it was the dealer's fault, they should reimburse for it and any vehicle rental. If not, I would escalate to the regional Service Management or file a claim with Toyota USA.

 

hey OP when truck is running what voltage are you getting ?
Somebody mentioned but its worth repeating, if its random thing, most likely there is lose cable in the system.
Unless you have some device that drains battery for you.

 

Unfortunately, I did not pay attention to that on my charger. I tried to find information online about what I should be checking for, and I was unsuccessful. I should have made a video while I was charging the battery. I have asked my service guy to go out and make sure my truck will start after sitting overnight, before I drive up there to pick it up. I'm hoping it doesn't start for him. Anyone have any other suggestions on what I should ask the dealer if they checked? Should I ask them what voltage they are getting?

 

I don't have anything really to add to this thread that would assist anyone else having the same issue, unfortunately, but I hate when people ask for assistance and then don't follow through with their solution! I took my truck in for them to go over it. They claim that they could not recreate the no-start issue. I have had my truck back for a week now, and it has sat for a day without starting, and it starts right up now, without hesitation. I am convinced that there was a bad ground that the tech repaired, but just neglected to tell the counter person, or write it down. Hopefully this issue does not come back somewhere down the road!

 

It's back It didn't take long for the issue to begin again. I turn my key over to start and the starter does not engage, no click, nothing. I can continue to turn my key and eventually the starter motor will engage. Does anyone think I could have a flat spot on my starter? I have this issue about every 3 starts.

 

If there's no click, the starter isn't getting the memo to do its job. I'd guess your ignition switch is going out.

 

If you have a voltmeter or a 12-volt test lamp and a fully charged battery, check the start solenoid contact (small stud) or starter motor power contact (large stud) on the outside of starter to determine if voltage is present when you try to start it. In so, then the problem is in the starter most probably with the solenoid contacts/plunger, intermittent ground connection or starter brushes. If not, check the "starting" relay (if equipped) or ignition switch to determine where you are loosing the voltage to the starter's solenoid.

 

Thank you! I have a voltmeter but I have never used one, I will definitely figure it out though. Thank you for the help! I'll post back with results asap.

 

There's really only a few battery manufacturers in the US and most of them just change the label on the top or the color of the lid.

 

Here is a video that might help you. You will need to use the 20 volt setting (or the closest one above 12-volts).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NJPUXC2frQ

 

Thank you Shadetree! Just what I needed

 

You are welcome.

If it turns out to be the starter, there are a number of YouTube videos on how to remove the starter. Some are easy and some require remove other components just to get to the starter. If you do not want to try and fix the starter yourself, you have two choices--exchanging it for a rebuilt (or remanufactured) starter from an auto parts store or having your's rebuilt at good auto electric shop. If the starter is difficult to remove, then I would suggest the latter. You will learn a lot if you DIY. If you can not find the problem, again I would recommend going to a good auto electric shop for fault isolation. If you decide to buy a remanufactured starter at an auto parts store, I would suggest that you have them test it before you leave the store.