What is your question?
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What is your question?
Each time the car would not start they replaced the battery. This would happen about once a year. After 3 batteries i asked them to check to see if something was draining the battery. They could not find anything. Now happening again, will be 6th battery. Dealership said because of our hot weather, lucky if battery lasts a year. This one is 53 weeks old. Triple A said battery is fine, but something is draining it. Had the battery charged but it only lasted 5 hours, then had to get a jump to get home. What do I ask them to check because this can't continue. The electric back windows sometimes work, then don't and after awhile work again. Could this be the short draining the battery?
2 Replies
Parasitic draw test is easy. Disconnect one battery lead with the ignition switched off keys out of ignition. Put an Ampmeter in series with the disconnected battery cable. Read the draw after 30 seconds or so it should be under .2 Amps, if not there is a parasitic draw. Also have the charging system checked. I have seen alternators unable to reach max output. If the alternator is rated at 70 Amps output and only puts out 50 or 60 amps the vehicle would constantly draw on the battery. The Sienna isn't a complex charging system. If your interested in reading some technical articles check out http://www.autoshop101.com/
Yeah, replacing the battery every year is crazy. That is completely the wrong thing to be doing. I recommend finding yourself a new shop--a quality independent that knows Toyotas in your area will be able to help you diagnose and permanently fix the problem. It could be something draining the battery--maybe something.
I asked about parasitic draw and was told it was at 0.02. They said the alternator was at 11.6 volts, 13.82 volts no load, and 13.82 volts with load. Would not tell me the amps for alternator. Said they could find nothing wrong with car. Offered me a deluxe toyota altenator for $709.00 and with labor $972.00 total, but not sure if this would correct problem. Toyota USA w anted to know what I wanted them to do. I asked for a specialist to come help, but told no. I told USA the dealership could keep the car until the battery died and then if they couldn't find problem, what would they do. I drive my car daily and do 50% freeway driving. I do run the ac because we have 100 plus weather. Where do I go from here?