Camry not starting. Engine ran for 15 mins after jump start before dying

2003 TOYOTA CAMRY
65,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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M_KAR
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Hi,
My 2003 Camry refused to start today. The battery is OEM, but never had problems like this before. I came back from work, parked my car and went home. I came back after about 1 hour and started the car - nothing happened!! Called roadside, got jump start. I was told to keep the car running (idle) for 25 mins. The car was idling for about 15 mins before it stopped and it doesn't turn back on. Please let me know where the problem could be? Could it be my battery? If it's the battery can the car stop in the middle of idling? I appreciate any piece of information you could provide.

Thank you
Aug 12, 2011 at 1:23 AM
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PROTECH1980
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Have charging system checked/ and battery load tested.
Aug 12, 2011 at 1:27 AM
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M_KAR
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Thanks much, Protech1980. Do you think this will be an alternator problem?
Aug 12, 2011 at 1:56 AM
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PROTECH1980
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Sounds as though could be an alternator, have it tested and let me know. Or if you have a multimeter, charge battery and start car, use multimeter and take a voltage reading across batt. terminals, should be around 13.5- 14.5 volts, if not suspect alternator issue.
Aug 12, 2011 at 2:09 AM
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RONSON
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Depending on mileage, may just be a battery.
Aug 12, 2011 at 2:10 AM
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M_KAR
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OK, thanks. I'm going to have my car towed to a service center. Will let you know what they say. Thanks again
Aug 12, 2011 at 2:12 AM
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M_KAR
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Hi Ronson,

The car has 70k miles and it's still on OEM battery. Can a dead battery stop the car in the middle of idling? Thanks for your reply.
Aug 12, 2011 at 2:14 AM
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PROTECH1980
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Have charging system checked/ and battery load tested
Aug 12, 2011 at 2:20 AM
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M_KAR
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Hi Protech1980,
I took my car to AutoZone. The had a device to test the battery - it showed "Bad battery". I got the battery replaced and they said the alternator was fine. They didn't really check the alternator and I hope it's fine. Thanks for your advise.
Aug 13, 2011 at 1:34 AM
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PROTECH1980
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Your Welcome and thank you for using 2carpros.
Aug 13, 2011 at 3:01 AM
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CAP2011
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Protech1980 - I'm having a similar issue with car getting jump started and then when taking foot off gas it would die. When attempting to turn on again it clicks. I've taken the battery out and had it charged (at home) and put back in. It would start but then after a few minutes of idling it would die again. Alternator? I'm getting towed to mechanic tomorrow, was just curious what it may be. Thx.
Sep 11, 2011 at 11:30 PM