Does leaving the lights on kill a battery?
Even just leaving a door slightly ajar may be enough to cause the internal lights to illuminate – and if you leave your lights on long enough, your car’s battery will be drained. However, if you drain your battery multiple times in this way, you can seriously shorten its lifespan, or cause it to fail entirely.
Do lights kill car battery?
Lights are a big one that many people simply forget about, and not just your headlights. If you have automatic lights for your trunk, and if you accidentally don’t fully close your trunk, the light can drain your battery. Same with accidentally leaving the car without fully shutting the door.
What is killing my car battery?
What Causes a Car Battery to Keep Dying? Some of the most common reasons for a car battery to die repeatedly include loose or corroded battery connections, persistent electrical drains, charging problems, constantly demanding more power than the alternator can provide, and even extreme weather.
How long can a car sit before battery dies?
When stored properly out of the car in a secure place, a detached car battery has the chance to last up to six months. Just like any other car battery, it will need charging, but not as often as if it were attached. Giving the battery a charge around every 12 weeks is a good rule of thumb.
Why is the battery light on on my RAV4?
If your Rav4’s battery light came on while you were driving, but before you parked, it could be the alternator. If you didn’t see a battery light, and now the vehicle is dead when you go to start it, the first thing that you need to look at is the battery.
What should the volts be on a RAV4?
Specifically, you’ll need to set it to 20V DC. With your Rav4 turned off, you’ll connect the negative side of the meter to the negative battery post or wire. Touch the positive side of the voltmeter to the positive battery wire. With the engine off, you should get a reading somewhere between 12.0 volts and 12.6 volts.
Can a RAV4 battery be used as an alternator?
If manufacturers put a pictograph of an alternator on the dash instead of a battery, people would be even more confused. Our 4.3 RAV4 alternators are pretty bulletproof. Make sure you have 12 volts at the big fat wire on the back of the alternator. Also make sure all fuses are good.
What happens if the serpentine belt goes bad on a RAV4?
Nearly all modern vehicles use a serpentine belt to turn the alternator. The serpentine belt turns more than one engine accessory (A/C compressor, power steering, etc). If the serpentine belt goes bad, it will no longer be able to turn your Rav4’s alternator enough for it to get an adequate charge.