Problems with my ae82 [solved]

[3clipse]

so, im having a few problems with my car not starting.

The battery seems like its going flat over night, as about half of the time in the morning when i go to start the car it doesn't want to turn over but eventually does. Other times it will start straight away.

And occasionally, but very rarely, the car doesnt start at all. It just makes a clicking noise.
I've replaced the voltage regulator in the alternator, and that has made a difference, but it still happens, just not as frequently.

The battery it self was purchased in January, so either it is a dud battery, or thats not the problem.

Could anyone help me? By the way, it has a 4-ac engine.

Cheers
-Logan

[banana_socks]

Try ruling out the battery first. Got another you can switch temporarily? Or does it start any easier if you've hooked up jumper cables?

Otherwise check the starter. If it's not turning over at all, you've either got no battery or a dodgy starter/solenoid.

[frostyadonis]

The battery seems like its going flat over night

another thing worth checking....

i had the same problem with mine.

the hatch wasn't locking properly. there is a red light near the ignition key side, indicating a door was still open. this little light flattened my battery.

i found that the locking plate on the shell was loose, once adjusted and tightened it was fixed.

[3clipse]

nah haven't got a spare battery, both my mums and sisters car's battery dont fit, the poles are too small.

And it starts fine when i jump it. So i will dig up the receipt for the battery and see if i can return it under warranty because its only 8 months old...

And frosty, i checked all of the lights in the car, none of them are on, including the red door light =)
stupid cars. hahaha

[hemi twofifteen turbo]

Does it start again easily after 4 hours? These is a light switch in the hatch on the RHS (from memory) which has a switch can be turned on/off. Mine was left on and caused the same problem. Best thing to do is check for current draw. If you've got a multimeter take off one battery terminal and put the multimeter between the removed terminal and the battery post. Make sure it's on the amps setting. Should only be about 50ma, no more. This is what keeps your clock ticking, and the memory in your stereo. If there is say, 100ma or more start pulling out fuses 1 by one until it goes away. Whatever fuse you pull that makes it go away is going to be the culprit. hope this helps.

[jonathan yee]

is the alt charging sufficiently? multi meter from the alt out put to earth should give 14odd volts.

a mazda i had years back had a crappy alarm which would drain the battery

[3clipse]

Hemi, cheers for the advice, there is a light but it doesn't work as far as i know, i'll have a look in the morning, as i just got home from work. I'll whip out the multimeter as well and see if i can find the current draw. I think that multimeter was the best $13 I have ever spent haha

And jonathan yee, i havent checked the alternator itself, but when the car is off the battery has 12.2v (after being on for a while) and when its at idle, has around 13.5v and goes higher when revving, so i don't think the alternator is the problem

[3clipse]

ok, forgot about this thread, but i found out there is a battery drain.

The CD changer causing the car to drain 0.35-0.4A when the car is switched off. With the changer disconnected, it is 0.04A

Looks like its time for a new head unit with an Aux input

[3clipse]

Ok, another update haha. turns out, along with the cd stacker draining the battery.. the battery itself was rooted.

Got a new battery, and starts perfect first go, every go.