Starting problems

I have a 2021 Tacoma. About 44K on mileage. The last week or so, I have been having issues with starting. At first it was slow cranking, but always started. Last 2 days had to jump start. But it started right up and had no farther issues that day. Even had the battery, starter and alternator checked for issues at local parts store where they can do checks like this. Parked truck overnight, awoke this morning and went to try and start and nothing. When I push start button, nothing. Lights on dash all come on. Didn't check headlights tho. Went to leave and return inside home and headlights came on, so went back and tried to start. Nothing but a clicking sound, as in a dead battery. Left again. This time the lights started flickering and would not stop til I pushed start button, but no crank or anything. Lights on dash came on, no check engine light indicating any issues and after depressing start button a few times it stopped.

 

Very normal for a dead battery.

Its likely beyond saving, and its not good to jump start toyotas repeatedly because it can blow fuses or damage the steering angle sensor.

I would suggest replacing the battery and investing in a battery tender to charge the battery from time to time due to your low mileage.

$40 NOCO GENIUS2D, 2A Direct-Mount Onboard Car Battery Charger, 12V Automotive Charger, Battery Maintainer, Trickle Charger, Float Charger and Desulfator for Marine, ATV, Truck and Deep Cycle Batteries

https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GENIUS2...735483150&sprefix=battery+tend,aps,177&sr=8-7

 

Really sounds like a dead battery. Parts store tester was probably measuring a reasonable surface voltage but it is shot so as soon as it gets a real load from starting it drops to nothing.

 

Got a voltmeter? All you have to do is lift the hood. It should read a minimum of 12.3 volts standing.

A common reason friends/relatives call me is the battery is dead, do I need a new one?

Loosen/remove the terminals from the posts, clean the posts, clean the terminals, problem solved. Did they do that when they "checked it out?"

You'll have to reset all your radio stations. I like to use lacquer coat on the terminals/posts once they're torqued back down, it doesn't stop corrosion completely but slows it down. That or a little grease. Don't over tighten them.

Another point of failure is craptastic terminals or thumb bolts anywhere on the posts or wires (second pic.) Get rid of those and use good solid terminals (third pic.) Mine had this issue when I bought it.

 

Have someone hold the voltage meter to the battery terminals while you are trying to start. If it drops significantly the battery is toast. If it doesn't it is just a bad connection like described above.