2001 Toyota Avalon I NEED HELP!

JEREMY2044

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA AVALON
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
96,000 MILES

I have a 2001 Toyota Avalon and my problem is.

I had trouble starting my car 3 or 4 months ago, it just clicked. I ended up needing a battery. I replaced the battery. Now, as of yesterday, when I go to start the car, it just clicks. I can jump the car with jumper cables and it stays running and alternator seems to charge as I can turn the car off and back on with what appears to be a strong start after driving 20 to 25 minutes, but if I wait overnight and it is cold like this morning, it won't start.

All accessories will work, but inside lights are dim. Does the battery just need to be charged? My guess is corrosion on the cable at the starter. But if that is the case, why would using jumper cables work?

What are the chances that it is a fusible link?

Is there a chance that the battery needs to be charged and I am having intermittent alternator problems? If so, I have been told that the contacts can be cleaned most of the time with an alternator, which can avoid replacement, is this true?

I hope I've not overloaded you. Please just answer with what you think is wrong.

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

Thank you for the donation,

Firstly it won't be a fusible link, I would have the battery load tested, this is the only true way of checking the battery condition, next I would have the alternator charge rate checked, this can also be done under load and if the brushes or slip ring is at all suspect this will show up, thirdly consider having the starter checked for polling, this is an internal short that will not stop the starter but will draw excessive amperage and may be the cause of your problem, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)