Is my battery dying or something else?

Hey guys. I bought a 2008 tacoma sr5 v6 about 3 weeks ago and just last week I went out to start it and it wouldn't it start. When I turned the key it just clicked once and didn't even try to turn over. All the lights on the dash came on and stuff but the engine wouldn't start. I was able to jump start the truck and I didn't have any problems for a week. Then yesterday I went out to start it and the same thing happened. I tried to jump it again but it would work I had it on my moms can for like 15 minutes and still nothing. I got in the truck and turned the key several times and then I pumped the gas pedal many times. When I pumped the pedal it actually turned over and started. So it's been a day and I haven't had anymore problems but I'm sure it will happen again. There are no battery check or engine check lights coming when the ignition is on. I think it might be something to with the starter but I don't know a whole lot about cars. I'm going to get the battery tested today but I was wondering if anybody has had this problem and what they did to fix it. Thanks!

 

I am 99.9% certain it is your battery. A dead or dying battery won't set off a dash light. The next thing would be the starter by your description but most likely it's the battery. Batteries can get to the point where they can't even be jump started. If you had dash lights on then there would be cause to check the charging system(alternator) and/or codes.

 

I've had a bad battery do some goofy things. See what comes of the test. We'll assume the terminals are clean and tight.
If it's the original battery it wouldn't be a stretch for it to be done with it's life. I have an '09 and I'm figuring mine will go soon.

 

sounds about right, here in Arizona the extreme heat just cooks the batteries so we have to replace them about every 2 years. I'm getting ready to buy my 3rd one.

 

Ya I'm not sure if the dealer replaced the battery. It says February 14 on there but there is no year. And it's a toyota battery so it might be the original.

 

Most likely the battery. If the connections go bad it'll usually throw a light on the dash. Same thing for a bad alternator.

 

Battery

 

definitely get the battery tested, but im starting to see a lot more corroded terminals on the starter than im used to.

 

Alright thanks guys. I'm definitely hoping its just a new battery and not something more expensive.

 

I'm guessing that means Feb 2014 and if so, check with the dealer, the battery is probably still under full replacement warranty if that new.

 

I'm with Oldstick ^ That's Feb 2014, not Feb 14th...

It could be that you are turning the engine over before the key transponder registers... I'd stick the key in, wait a half second, then turn it over. I've seen several threads on this over the years...

 

Well I just checked the battery after having it off for a couple ours and it read 12.6 Volts. So I am guessing its probably the starter.

 

You need to load test it. Pep boys or one of the places might be able to do that for you.

 

quick check.. have someone hold the leads on the battery and watch the voltage drop as you attempt to start it. you shouldnt go less than 10 or so. if it goes down into 8 you really have a bad battery. double check by having autozone or someone put an actual load tester on it.

of course this is depending on the type of starter on the truck though.. if its a 2400W or a 3000W the voltage shouldnt drop more than 2-3v on start up or youre looking at a couple of dead cells.

 

Don't know if this is your problem, but same happened to my 2011 DC. After successfully checking the battery, starter, and charging system by my mechanic and no problems found we determined my Scan Gauge II would turn on after the truck was turned off and drain the battery to nothing.

Removed the Scan Gauge and no trouble since.

Scan Gauge sent me a new gauge without any trouble. A little nervous to reconnect. Some have suggested to unplug it over night, but not very convenient.

 

If the battery is healthy and fully charged and there are good cable connections, and you head light work, check the contacts in the starter solenoid. Sometimes a hammer tap on the starter will temporarily reseat the contacts. If you are a DYI, the parts are ~$10 and it will take about of hour to replace them if the starter is accessible.

 

A bad ignition fuse will also act the same way as you're describing. Just something to look out for.