...replace the alternator? Hello There..
I have a 1997 Toyota Corolla and it has about 198,000 miles on it now.. and for the past couple of weeks, it does not turn on by turning the key in the ignition. I have to give it a jump start with cables..and then it works fine, Though once I turn off the vehicle and let it sit idle for maybe 1 hour plus, the car is dead. When I go turn the key, I do not notice any of the dash board lights coming on and yesterday I checked the horn was working, but I have not been paying attention to the details. I had AAA come out last week and they did a battery test and I also went to Auto Zone this morning..and they both said the Battery was fine. (To be honest) I am not sure what to believe and not 100% sure if it is the alternator or loose cables, or a belt that needs to be replaced, or the electric board.. but 3 out of 7 people i asked said it was an alternator and something along the lines as the battery is not holding a charge. I am a bit reluctant to take it to mechanic shop being a girl and getting ripped off. Anyone with (automobile knowledge) and Toyota Corolla's if you could please guide me and tell me some questions to ask, or if you need further details or something I could look at myself or do, feel free to ask ans share..and if there is something I can ask the shop- or ask them to look at certain things or do you all think it is the alternator and how much should I spend with part/labor? THANK YOU SO MUCH, best answer will be chosen!
(Just now 04/02/10) I went to go turn on the car and I turned the key and i do not see anything in the dashboard, or hear anything, nor is the horn working, no clicking noise) It is just dead.
I have a 1997 Toyota Corolla and it has about 198,000 miles on it now.. and for the past couple of weeks, it does not turn on by turning the key in the ignition. I have to give it a jump start with cables..and then it works fine, Though once I turn off the vehicle and let it sit idle for maybe 1 hour plus, the car is dead. When I go turn the key, I do not notice any of the dash board lights coming on and yesterday I checked the horn was working, but I have not been paying attention to the details. I had AAA come out last week and they did a battery test and I also went to Auto Zone this morning..and they both said the Battery was fine. (To be honest) I am not sure what to believe and not 100% sure if it is the alternator or loose cables, or a belt that needs to be replaced, or the electric board.. but 3 out of 7 people i asked said it was an alternator and something along the lines as the battery is not holding a charge. I am a bit reluctant to take it to mechanic shop being a girl and getting ripped off. Anyone with (automobile knowledge) and Toyota Corolla's if you could please guide me and tell me some questions to ask, or if you need further details or something I could look at myself or do, feel free to ask ans share..and if there is something I can ask the shop- or ask them to look at certain things or do you all think it is the alternator and how much should I spend with part/labor? THANK YOU SO MUCH, best answer will be chosen!
(Just now 04/02/10) I went to go turn on the car and I turned the key and i do not see anything in the dashboard, or hear anything, nor is the horn working, no clicking noise) It is just dead.