Toyota Corolla Ascent 2004 Is Having Issues, Car People Please Help?

Noragrets on 02/08/2016 - 15:24
Last edited 18/08/2016 - 11:23 by 1 other user

Hey guys,

So my Nan and pop passed away at the beginning of last year. We now have their car which I am using at the moment. Basically, after they passed away the car sat dead for about 6 months. it was the battery but we sorted that out, got a blue slip about 4 weeks ago as well as rego. I have been driving it but not often. Maybe 5 min a day. It's been fine in this time and hasn't has a problem.

This morning I jumped in and went to go to work and it was having issues. It started but would die almost instantly. I ended up sitting in the car for about 10 minutes with the accelerator on to try charge it up and ended up being fine. I drove to work no problems which takes about 30 min on the freeway. Turned the car off at work, turned it back on just to see if it would start and was fine..

I just finished work and went to start it again and same thing, died almost instantly. Had to again sit with my foot on the accelerator until it was good to go. I'm sitting in it now and it's idling, not turning off but it seems to be after its off for a few hours that its dying unless I keep the revs up for a bit.

I was low in fuel, not sure if that could have something to do with it though.

Before the car was registered the battery was faulty so NRMA gave us a new one. The battery is 4 weeks old. Thinking now it could be the alternator but not sure if the car would start if it was ?

Does anyone have any idea what this could be ?

Thanks!

Automotive

Comments

  • Skramit on 02/08/2016 - 15:43
    +2

    Probably battery again, not uncommon for a "new battery" to have been sitting in a warehouse for years and be rubbish when it gets put in your car. If not battery then sounds like could be the alternator. Take it to a mechanic and get them to test the new battery.

    Also do you have an phone charger or something permanently plugged in to the cigarette lighter? Those things can drain batteries quick smart, even if not in use overnight.

    • Noragrets on 02/08/2016 - 15:56

      Could it be the battery if it has been working fine for the past 4 weeks and just started doing this today?

      I do have a car charger plugged in there but I don't use it.. didn't know it drained the battery so I'm taking that out!

      Thanks!

      • Skramit on 02/08/2016 - 16:02
        +2

        Yeah those cheap chargers sitting in the cig lighter socket can consume electricity with nothing plugged in especially when the car is turned off, so try that and see if the battery holds charge better. Kinda like leaving an internal car light on overnight, eventually it'll kill the battery.

        I had a corolla battery constantly dying on me, even with a new battery. Turned out my phone charged was nuking the battery every night that I had left in…. soon as i removed it never had another problem.

        • Noragrets on 02/08/2016 - 16:20

          Yeah its just a cheap one from coles. I've taken it out. Funny that you say that because I put it in the car I think on Friday.

          Will see tonight or tomorrow morning if it starts fine! Would be nice if this was the problem and not something expensive lol thank you!

  • geek001 on 02/08/2016 - 15:45
    +1

    I am by no means a very knowledgeable car guy. But I was troubleshooting my car not starting earlier this year and did a lot of reading. I don't think it is your alternator, as it is used to charge your battery. If it is broken and not charging your battery, your car probably won't start at all.

    Since it does start(sometimes), I would guess the problem would have to do with the supply of fuel to your engine or air intake.

    Things to try checking:

    1. Check your fuel filter and injectors, apparently fuel goes stale and gunky after a while, could be blocking your injectors.
    2. Check your air intake hose and make sure there is no cracks. Also check your air filter and see if it is dirty.

    Question: how does it drive? Does it drive ok and you are not experiencing any problems like rough idling?

    • Noragrets on 02/08/2016 - 15:54

      Thanks!
      The car is really well looked after. Only has 80,000 kms and had every service done to it. It drives really well, doesn't feel any different or make any noises. No smells or anything so it's weird.

      It starts every time but if it's been sitting for a few hours it dies straight away. It's only happened twice, both times today and I was low in fuel.

      It did sit for 6 or so months unregistered so it could be that the fuel it had in it has gone gunky.. I'll check it all out though.

      It's strange because it only started today. And once i start it and keep the revs up it is fine until I turn it off and leave it for a few hours.

      Thanks for your reply though, I didn't know what to look for!

  • pegaxs on 02/08/2016 - 16:04
    -1

    If it is slow to crank over, this would suggest battery/charging issues. If the car cranks over fine but has a really poor idle or runs very rough after starting, I would suspect fuel system. If a vehicle has been sitting for a while, fuel can go stale or condensation can form in the tank and contaminate the fuel with water if the car has no been driven in a while.

    Like geek said above, more information would be needed about the exact extent of what the issue is.

    • Noragrets on 02/08/2016 - 16:17

      Not slow at all, it starts fine and first go but it just dies maybe 3 seconds after. Keeping the revs up and keeping it turned on seems to fix it until it sits for a few hours.

      Just jumped in it again and turned it on. It's working and has been idling for about 10 min no issues.

      I'm female so I have no idea what I'm doing.. going to get a friend to take a look for me to check out the fuel system. I'm hoping it's that and not the alternator or something expensive lol

      Going to let it sit for a while and turn it on tonight to see if it happens again.

      Have had a fair few issues with previous cars but this isn't something I've experienced before.

      Thanks for your help

      • thetrain on 02/08/2016 - 16:58
        +2

        If the fuel was in for a few months, maybe try putting some premium unleaded (98) to help clean out the old fuel. A long drive would probably also help if it is fuel related.

      • pegaxs on 02/08/2016 - 17:00

        To me, I would be starting at the fuel side of things. Get the old fuel out and some fresh fuel into it. Replace fuel filter/s. This is the easiest and cheapest place to start. The other place to look would be the pickup filter on the fuel pump.

        After that I would start looking at mechanical things. Fuel pump, injectors, fuel regulator…

        I doubt that it is the alternator. This would cause your battery to go flat and make it slow or hard to start. Alternator issues don't usually cause what you have explained without a host of other symptoms.

  • Euphemistic on 02/08/2016 - 17:03

    Definitely sounds fuel related if it starts and then stalls. It could be that the fuel is stale and requires the warmth in the engine to allow it to burn efficiently, why it is running fine once warmed up.

    If the problem persists after a few drives and a couple of tanks get the fuel system looked at. Might need a new filter.

  • scoobydoodledoo on 02/08/2016 - 17:04

    Sounds to me like its the battery.

    Even though it is relatively new, once these lead acid batteries completely drains about 1-2 or 3 times (depends on the quality of the battery), it loses it Voltage/charge and will never regain full charge. So if you jump start it and rev the engine it will go, but once you stop for a few hours or overnight it will drain again as it wasn't able to hold a full charge anymore even with you alternator charging it while you are driving. Also remember while the car is in use it is operating a lot of electrical systems (eg heating fans, lights etc) so using a lot of charge so you have to drive it a very long to time (1-2 hours) for some of the charge to end up remaining in your battery. But as I said once they die one or two times they will never hold the required charge no matter how long you drive it.

    I don't know what exactly may have happened to drain it the first time (could be the charger in the ciggarette lighter other people are talking about) but my advice is go to a battery shop and get them to test the voltage. They will tell you if the battery is dead or dying. Buy a new battery and take that charger out for precaution.

    Does not sound like fuel or filter issues as if they were issue car would idle very rough and you will know it when you are driving it as engine would not be smooth etc.

  • scoobydoodledoo on 02/08/2016 - 17:11

    Obviously, some people here think it could be fuel related so I might be wrong but cheapest alternative is to get the battery voltage looked at first. Most battery places do this for free. If your battery is low when they check, just buy a cheap battery. If this then dies in a day or two and the car wont start again its likely to be the alternator not working to recharge your battery each time you drive hence the electrical systems are draining your battery and it is not being recharged. If after buying the new battery and it still wont start the next morning its likely to be the fuel system or bad fuel.

    • Euphemistic on 03/08/2016 - 09:38

      If the battery is dud, it will be a warranty replacement - the battery is only 4 weeks old.

  • blitz on 02/08/2016 - 17:23
    +1

    Fuel pump?

  • Brouw3r on 02/08/2016 - 17:48
    -1

    Get roadside assistance to come out and test the battery, sounds like it just isn't holding a charge (should be under warranty). Doubt it's the alternator or fuel pump based on what you have said.

  • chumlee on 02/08/2016 - 18:03
    +1

    Could be faulty battery or alternator, or something is left on and causing battery to drain.

    • Euphemistic on 03/08/2016 - 09:39

      The car starts, but wont run. There is no mention of having to jump start.

  • ScuseMe on 02/08/2016 - 19:35
    -1

    Not a car expert but here's my take. I feel like the car won't start when the engine cools down (Considering it started straight after you drove to work). Fuel is hard to ignite when the temperature is low. So injectors could be blocked. Maybe you could try adding up some injector cleaner.

  • Euphemistic on 02/08/2016 - 19:58
    -3

    If the car starts, then cuts out and starts again it isn't going to be the battery. You can run a car on a low voltage battery, but you won't be able to start it.

    It could be alternator related, revving the engine will often give the alternator a bit extra kick to bring the voltage up and then run the car off battery voltage. If it starts immediately after you get to work while the car is arm I suspect it is not the alternator as the battery would have drained on the way to work.

    Still sounds fuel related, or at least related to the engine running while cold.

  • Empharand on 02/08/2016 - 20:10
    +1

    Could be a number of things, but sounds like it's fuel system related, ie. stale fuel, lines clogged or dry in some areas, or the injectors are dry or blocked and aren't spraying properly (Although generally that doesn't cause issues with starting, more idle). It could be something as simple as the fuel filter being blocked.. there are quite a few possibilities.

    I would be taking it to the nearest mechanic (Preferably a good one, look for best rated one on Truelocal) and if possible leave it with them for the better part of a day so they can start it up and see first hand what's happening.

    If you cannot take it to the a mechanic, I would try running a bottle of fuel system cleaner (Nulon TFSC is a good product, about $25 for a bottle through Repco, Supercheap or Autobarn); although there's no guarantees that it will fix the problem as it depends on if the problem is fuel related.

    Without knowing if there were any previous issues with that car before it sat for 6 months, it's hard to say if it's an existing problem, or if the problem has developed as a result of the car sitting for 6 months.

  • scoobydoodledoo on 03/08/2016 - 08:57

    Once again. From reading all the comments, I still doubt it is fuel related. Fuel pump either works, and if they partially works or doesn't work - either way, your car won't run very well. OP seems to suggest it idles normal and drives normal - just doesn't start after few hours such as overnight or after work. The fact it starts after a jump start and starts ok again straight after driving suggest it is battery related (or slight chance alternator related). a Modern car sitting dormant for six months does not cause the fuel line to clog or fuel filter to to clog or fuel to go stale that easily. If any of those things are present the engine will run or not idle smoothly and car will not run smoothly when driving and can die on the road. Bottles of fuel injectors etc will be a waste of money and wont fix any of these issues if its that bad to begin with.

    Call RACV if you're a member or take it to a tire joint or battery joint. They all have Voltmeters to test the battery voltage: Fully charged batteries should measure at 12.6 volts or more. With the engine is running, this measurement should be 13.7 to 14.7 volts if the alternator is working normal.

    I don't recommend taking it to a mechanic and leaving at there at this stage as they can tell you know nothing and if they are not ethical can charge quite a lot and even make a mountain out of a molehill if they are unscrupulous. Or even just to replace your battery there will be a mark-up at their end for even cheapo batteries (no offence to a good majority of mechanics out there ho are providing a great service). But I've been around and I know a lot more about cars than the average Joe and I seen shocking diagnostics from them to drum up work even when I know what the problem was but let them give me the diagnostic to test if they are decent mechanics and trustworthy not.

    Of course there could be a lot of other possibilities (and hopefully its not fuel systems related) but you always start with the most obvious and cheapest options as recommended above. but up to your and all the best. Cheers

    • Noragrets on 03/08/2016 - 09:34

      Could something be killing the battery ?
      The last battery was running on like 4 volts I think so car wouldn't start unless we jump started it and then would die 5 min later But this one is only a few weeks old and now it's doing this..

      I did notice a whining sound this morning. Last night it started fine when I checked before bed and this morning it turned off again. I kept the revs up and then left the car on and went inside to get ready for work. Came out and it was still on running normal.

      Noticed on the freeway that accelerating made the slightest winging noise which would get a little louder as I went faster but I'm not sure if that's normal for the car or not.

      My Nan drove it everyday and never had a problem. Seems to only be now after it sat there that it's having issues.

      I'll get the battery checked again, I am with nrma and it is a nrma battery which we got from warranty. If it is the battery I'll continue to call them out until they replace it.

      Thanks for your help

      • Euphemistic on 03/08/2016 - 09:44

        If the car starts easily every time it won't be the battery. If the car stall and then is easy to start again it is another sign the battery is fine. If you haven't needed to jump start while this problem is occurring it wont be the battery.

        By all means though get the NRMA to visit and tell them what is happening. A mechanic standing next to your car will give you a lot better info than a bunch of randoms on the internetz.

        • scoobydoodledoo on 03/08/2016 - 10:06

          …"randoms on the internetz."

          I assume yourself included…lol!

  • JOCKz on 03/08/2016 - 13:25

    It would help if we knew what car it was …

    • Noragrets on 03/08/2016 - 14:53

      It's a Toyota Corolla ascent 2004 model

      • JOCKz on 04/08/2016 - 10:35

        Its not the battery, if the car cranks fine. If it was the alternator it wouldnt charge the battery. Which would mean slow or no cranking. Sounds more like an IACV going bad. You can clean them out with carby cleaner, just replace all the little gasket while your in there, saves you the trouble of doing it twice. Or if your tight on money reuse them (take off the gaskets when your using the carby cleaner).

        Should take about an hour max. If your conning one of the boys to do it bribe them with beer or pizza (or both).

        The shafts on IACVs get stuck closed over time and does exactly the same thing you described, explains why you have to hold down accelerator to keep the engine running. I'm close to 100% sure its the IACV but without seeing it in person i cant say for sure.

  • resisting the urge on 03/08/2016 - 14:00

    First step is verify the battery is actually charged and holding charge. If it is old, it will still charge but will go flat when the car is left for a while. As a rule of thumb, it still should start after 4 weeks left standing- though that is about it for most cars. as they use power to keep things like the locking systems active. Generally speaking you should not ever let it run flat (it leaving the car disconnect the negative terminal). Also, if it does go flat, resist charging it at a rate higher than 1A/hr as this boils off the water and damages the chemistry. I use a solar charger and it takes up to a month (on a small 10W panel), which is a very batter friendly approach. A lot of modern chargers allow you to charge slow (or down to 200mAH) which is equally good.

    If you have a meter, measure battery voltage across the terminals in the morning. It should measure well above 12.5V if healthy, after sitting for a night (standing connected at 20 degrees C with no significant drain (nothing on)).

    I the car starts but then dies due to an electric fault, it is likely to be the battery terminals, or an alternator fault. (Remove and clean, apply vaseline and refit (tighten the fastening nut/s until the terminal no longer moves on the battery post (ie just firm).

    BUT, we are well ahead of ourselves. You got the battery charged enough to start the engine and that means the alternator will be generating >13.9V for critical electrical circuitry. Your first step is to use it a little so that it has no stale fuel left in it.

    First thing to do is check that the car was stored with a full tank of fuel (any less and it will have some water in it due to 6 months of daily (diurnal) condensation from the air sitting in the tank. This will have a bad effect if your Nan used E10 (cheap) fuel (it absorbs water) and this can be problematic in any car, esp. modern ones in which the fuel injection can suffer catastrophic problems.

    If it was not full, top it off with 98 octane fuel immediately and drive it a long way to use up the old fuel ASAP. The idea is to use the fuel and mix it around so that the old fuel is diluted and burned away without causing problems in the fuel system.

    Then fill with the recommended fuel. The car should start and run much better.

    With old fuel, it has far less octane in it, so it will not fire the engine very well as the most volatile gases tend to evaporate over time. When starting from cold, this will cause it to stall until it is warmed up a little.

  • mashimus on 03/08/2016 - 14:27

    Did you check the under bonut things properly? ;)

  • Joney on 04/08/2016 - 10:20

    Once the car starts, the battery has little to do with keeping the car running. Since the car will start a number of times consecutively, you can rule out an issue with the battery.

    Since the car had sat for a period of time it likely needs a quick service and tune. Nothing more than a few hundred at a local mechanic.

    The exact symptom you are describing, the car requiring some throttle to idle is regulated by a ln idle controlled mechanism. This likely requires simple adjustment.

    A new fuel filter would also be a good idea for a car that has been sitting, and worth it for the cost.

  • Skramit on 08/08/2016 - 08:23

    Update pls OP

  • Noragrets on 18/08/2016 - 11:15

    Hey so I haven't got the car looked at yet but it did it for a few days and then I put my foot down in a random street (no houses or people) and ever since I did that it's been working perfectly. Ill assume putting my foot down helped move the old fuel or gunk out ? Still needs a new fuel filter and my brother will be helping but it's working like normal now. Starts and stays on and drives fine. Not sure what happened

    • Euphemistic on 18/08/2016 - 13:22
      +1

      Nice, glad it was an easy fix. Sounds like it had some stale fuel, or needed 'the cobwebs blowing out'

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