Battery or alternator issue

Tiny
QUINCY QDPIE PERKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
My car died while sitting at a stoplight and it would not restart. The indicator lights and interior lights come on, but the engine does not turn over. Prior to it dying at the light, the air conditioner cut off by itself and the battery light came on. So did my alternator go out or my battery?
Friday, June 3rd, 2016 AT 11:14 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
If the "Battery" light turned on before the engine died, that means the battery was not being recharged while you were driving. At most, you will be able to run the engine from the battery for an hour but that is only if you turn off everything electrical that is not needed.

The place to start is by charging the battery at a slow rate for an hour so it will start the engine, then use an inexpensive digital voltmeter to measure the battery voltage while the engine is running. It must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is low, suspect the generator.
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Friday, June 3rd, 2016 AT 11:27 PM

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