Hi guys,
Usually the 80 starts quickly - i.e flick the key and she's running in a second or two. And up until recently we've been able to leave her a few weeks at a time and she's always flashed up.
Anyway, last few months we've been using the Hilux as the DD and the 80 series for weekends mostly... and apparently the old girl doesn't like it. I suspect she may be sulking.
Basically, leave her for more than a couple of days and she won't crank - instead you just get the solenoid chattering away, without the starter cranking over. If I attach a jump pack to the driver's side battery she'll flash up okay, and then stop & start okay from just the vehicle batteries until she's parked up again.
So, a couple of possibilities I guess:
1. Batteries are starting to fail. I checked the batteries today (when it wouldn't start, just clicking the solenoid) and both showed 12.6v. I know this is a little low, but I'm surprised it wouldn't kick over the starter. As above, fitting the jump start pack resulted in immediate starting. Note that the alternator is producing 14.4v on idle, which I think is about right.
2. Starter/solenoid is playing up. Maybe needing more welly to get the get it to crank?
3. There is a significant parasitic draw happening somewhere. I find this one a bit unlikely, as we've not changed anything recently, there are no interior lights on or whatever... I've not known a parasitic draw suddenly appear... but maybe I'm missing something?
So, for gurus out there, a few questions:
(a) would you expect the truck to crank over okay with 2x12.6v batteries?
(b) Anyone had an issue with the solenoid or starter that requires higher-than-expected cranking voltage?
(c) Any other ideas for what to check before I bite-the-bullet and just get a couple of new batteries?
Cheers all!
Dave S
Usually the 80 starts quickly - i.e flick the key and she's running in a second or two. And up until recently we've been able to leave her a few weeks at a time and she's always flashed up.
Anyway, last few months we've been using the Hilux as the DD and the 80 series for weekends mostly... and apparently the old girl doesn't like it. I suspect she may be sulking.
Basically, leave her for more than a couple of days and she won't crank - instead you just get the solenoid chattering away, without the starter cranking over. If I attach a jump pack to the driver's side battery she'll flash up okay, and then stop & start okay from just the vehicle batteries until she's parked up again.
So, a couple of possibilities I guess:
1. Batteries are starting to fail. I checked the batteries today (when it wouldn't start, just clicking the solenoid) and both showed 12.6v. I know this is a little low, but I'm surprised it wouldn't kick over the starter. As above, fitting the jump start pack resulted in immediate starting. Note that the alternator is producing 14.4v on idle, which I think is about right.
2. Starter/solenoid is playing up. Maybe needing more welly to get the get it to crank?
3. There is a significant parasitic draw happening somewhere. I find this one a bit unlikely, as we've not changed anything recently, there are no interior lights on or whatever... I've not known a parasitic draw suddenly appear... but maybe I'm missing something?
So, for gurus out there, a few questions:
(a) would you expect the truck to crank over okay with 2x12.6v batteries?
(b) Anyone had an issue with the solenoid or starter that requires higher-than-expected cranking voltage?
(c) Any other ideas for what to check before I bite-the-bullet and just get a couple of new batteries?
Cheers all!
Dave S