Won't turn over

MRDANJK

MEMBER
1999 TOYOTA RAV4
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
164,000 MILES

I recently replaced the battery and alternator on my Rav4. Unfortunately the vehicle won't crank over. The instrument panel lights come on, but no headlights(although I get high beams), and no dome light, yet my power locks work. I'm confused. I may have done some damage when I connected the battery, because I connected it backwards and tried starting it several times before I realized the mistake I made. I popped the Alt fuse twice because of this. That's why I initially thought it was the alternator. Now I'm scared I did some serious damage. I need HELP desperately.

5 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Check and test the all the fusible links and miniature fuses if all okay check this guide

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please run down this guide and report back.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

-1

Thursday, June 17th, 2010 AT 10:42 PM

KPAUL10

MEMBER
1 POST
1998 TOYOTA RAV4
4 CYL
4WD

My brother is repairing for me my mom's old rav. About 90% completed, changed and tuned up everything. I went out and bought a new radio system and he was working on installing it, now the car won't start. My battery is only 2 months old and he says its not dead (he tests it out by flipping on headlights and seeing if they flicker when he tries to start the car).

He has checked all the fuses under the drivers dash and nothing is burnt. He decided to hotwire the car to see if he can get it to crank and it did! But it never starts and It will not crank with the key. He checked the starter it works and it turns over. He's been testing all electrical circuits for 3days now and nothing. All of the lights work on the dash, radio and everything. There is no security symbol light coming on, and no check engine light on. He is stuck. I really want to save money by not going to a mechanic.

Could someone help please

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, August 21st, 2019 AT 6:52 PM (Merged)

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,738 POSTS

Do you mean the Check Engine light never comes on? If it doesn't turn on for a six-second bulb check when you turn on the ignition switch, that is a major clue that is likely related to any other dead stuff.

If the Check Engine light does turn on for the bulb check, consider a mechanical problem with the ignition switch lock cylinder. There can be a cracked cam or a bent (what looks like a) screwdriver blade, and it isn't turning the switch all the way to the "crank" position.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

-1

Wednesday, August 21st, 2019 AT 6:52 PM (Merged)

AMK

MEMBER
1 POST
1999 TOYOTA RAV4
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

I have been waiting for the guy who bought my beloved 1999 RAV 4 to come get it. Meanwhile, battery went dead. I replaced the battery, started up just fine. Next several times I started it, it was fine. Drove it around a little, then let it sit. We had a bad cold spell, and I did not get out to start it for a few weeks. Well, now it will not start. Tried to jump start, and all I hear is a clicking noise. I can't put much money into it- I just need it to start and run when the guy finally comes to get it this week! I have never had this problem before, until it sat idle for an extended period. Please help.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, August 21st, 2019 AT 6:53 PM (Merged)

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi AMK,

When a battery is flat and jumper cables or donor source capacity are low, you would get the clicking noise mentioned.

Install the jumper and let the battery be charged for 15 to 20 minutes and you should be able to start.