Engine will not stay running

1997 TOYOTA AVALON
212,345 MILES
Avatar
ALANMA1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
one day my engine wouldn't start up, i got it jumped and 2 minutes later it shut off. i did it again and it shut off. so, i was guessing it was the alternator. so, i bought a new alternator and installed it. now i tried to jump it again the engine started for like a minute and then i turned the headlights on and it shut off. i did a battery tester and it says the battery is fully charged but the engine won't start. when i turn the key, it makes multiple clicks over and over again. can you please help me?
Aug 10, 2012 at 7:41 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,907 POSTS
If the engine starts only after jump starting it, then we have an issue with the voltage supplied to the starter. So, this is either due to a weak battery or a wiring issue that is not allowing proper voltage to get to the starter.

However, after you put an additional 12-volt source on the battery the wiring is able to deliver the proper current, so I am going to think we have a battery issue even though you tested it.

Based on the fact that you are saying it is "fully charged" I suspect you are using a meter and checking the voltage on the battery terminals. If this is the case, unfortunately that is not going to be definitive.

Many batteries can be 12 volts but not have the amperage needed to start the engine.

So here is a guide that will help with how we need to test the battery:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Next, we need to check the voltage at the starter on both terminals when cranking the engine and find out if there is 12 volts at the starter.

Here is a guide that will help with this testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Please see the wiring diagram below. Let us know what questions you have. Thanks
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Feb 17, 2022 at 3:21 PM