Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over

On Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:11:21 -0700, "mack" <mackerel.TakeThisOut@dslextreme.com>
wrote:

>
>"John W. Wells" <djinn.TakeThisOut@7Tsimmery.axe> wrote in message
>news:v60883petpduq40bp7cenl5aifi2gse4at@4ax.com...
>> This morning my wife's 2003 Rav4 (60k miles), after no previous
>> symptoms whatsoever, suddenly won't start.
>>
>> The starter makes a rapid, high-pitched ra-ta-ta-ta-ta... sound as
>> long as the key is turned, but seems not to be turning the engine.
>>
>> I've tried it several times over the past couple hours--no change.
>>
>> The battery (original) appears good (headlights bright, the dot on the
>> battery case is blue).
>>
>> It's an automatic, so I guess there's no way to push-start it, right?
>> We're miles from any service facility.
>>
>> I'd sure appreciate any suggestions as to what might have gone wrong
>> and what to check out!
>>
>> John Wells
>
>
>yep, I'd agree with Jeff - a tickticktickticktick from the starter (in my
>experience at least) means insufficient oomph from the battery to the
>starter or solenoid, like an insufficient charge. You might try rocking
>the car (in park) a couple of times in case the starter gear is hung up in
>some way, but trying to start with a jumped battery would be me first shot
>too. Good luck!
>

Thank you, too, Mack! I did try moving the car a bit, but didn't
leave it in park (it's my first automatic--duh), so of no use.

Anyway, just finished popping in a new battery, and SWMBO is so
pleased that her little car is running again, that tonight just
might... (uh, never mind

--John W. Wells
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over 

I'd guess that an '03 with the original battery is ready to have the battery
swapped out.

You don't need a service facility, you need jumper cables.





"John W. Wells" <djinn.RemoveThis@7Tsimmery.axe> wrote in message
news:v60883petpduq40bp7cenl5aifi2gse4at@4ax.com...
> This morning my wife's 2003 Rav4 (60k miles), after no previous
> symptoms whatsoever, suddenly won't start.
>
> The starter makes a rapid, high-pitched ra-ta-ta-ta-ta... sound as
> long as the key is turned, but seems not to be turning the engine.
>
> I've tried it several times over the past couple hours--no change.
>
> The battery (original) appears good (headlights bright, the dot on the
> battery case is blue).
>
> It's an automatic, so I guess there's no way to push-start it, right?
> We're miles from any service facility.
>
> I'd sure appreciate any suggestions as to what might have gone wrong
> and what to check out!
>
> John Wells
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over 

On Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:59:20 GMT, "Jeff Strickland"
<crwlr DeleteThis @verizon.net> wrote:

>I'd guess that an '03 with the original battery is ready to have the battery
>swapped out.
>
>You don't need a service facility, you need jumper cables.

Wullll, I *got* jumper cables, but that blue dot, and those bright
headlights, and, and...

That was IT!!

Thanks so much, Jeff!!!

John Wells
>
>
>"John W. Wells" <djinn DeleteThis @7Tsimmery.axe> wrote in message
>news:v60883petpduq40bp7cenl5aifi2gse4at@4ax.com...
>> This morning my wife's 2003 Rav4 (60k miles), after no previous
>> symptoms whatsoever, suddenly won't start.
>>
>> The starter makes a rapid, high-pitched ra-ta-ta-ta-ta... sound as
>> long as the key is turned, but seems not to be turning the engine.
>>
>> I've tried it several times over the past couple hours--no change.
>>
>> The battery (original) appears good (headlights bright, the dot on the
>> battery case is blue).
>>
>> It's an automatic, so I guess there's no way to push-start it, right?
>> We're miles from any service facility.
>>
>> I'd sure appreciate any suggestions as to what might have gone wrong
>> and what to check out!
>>
>> John Wells
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over 

I don't know how they do it, but a 36 month battery is good for 36 months
and a week. Whatever the term is, the actual life seems to be one week
longer. Amazing ...




"John W. Wells" <djinn.RemoveThis@7Tsimmery.axe> wrote in message
news:6o2883legse3j3lpps2tqbc16k3r5btore@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:59:20 GMT, "Jeff Strickland"
> <crwlr.RemoveThis@verizon.net> wrote:
>
>>I'd guess that an '03 with the original battery is ready to have the
>>battery
>>swapped out.
>>
>>You don't need a service facility, you need jumper cables.
>
> Wullll, I *got* jumper cables, but that blue dot, and those bright
> headlights, and, and...
>
> That was IT!!
>
> Thanks so much, Jeff!!!
>
> John Wells
>>
>>
>>"John W. Wells" <djinn.RemoveThis@7Tsimmery.axe> wrote in message
>>news:v60883petpduq40bp7cenl5aifi2gse4at@4ax.com...
>>> This morning my wife's 2003 Rav4 (60k miles), after no previous
>>> symptoms whatsoever, suddenly won't start.
>>>
>>> The starter makes a rapid, high-pitched ra-ta-ta-ta-ta... sound as
>>> long as the key is turned, but seems not to be turning the engine.
>>>
>>> I've tried it several times over the past couple hours--no change.
>>>
>>> The battery (original) appears good (headlights bright, the dot on the
>>> battery case is blue).
>>>
>>> It's an automatic, so I guess there's no way to push-start it, right?
>>> We're miles from any service facility.
>>>
>>> I'd sure appreciate any suggestions as to what might have gone wrong
>>> and what to check out!
>>>
>>> John Wells
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over 

"John W. Wells" <djinn DeleteThis @7Tsimmery.axe> wrote in message > Thank you, too,
Mack! I did try moving the car a bit, but didn't
> leave it in park (it's my first automatic--duh), so of no use.
>
> Anyway, just finished popping in a new battery, and SWMBO is so
> pleased that her little car is running again, that tonight just
> might... (uh, never mind


Umm, lemme guess.....cook your favorite meal....fetch your pipe and slippers
unrequested.....or....oh, got ya.
: - ) Glad you're back in business with the car.
>
> --John W. Wells
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over 

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr.TakeThisOut@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:cyTgi.3836$RZ1.1650@trnddc05...
> I'd guess that an '03 with the original battery is ready to have the
> battery swapped out.
>
> You don't need a service facility, you need jumper cables.

My 99 Camry is still running fine with the ORIGINAL battery.



>
>
>
>
>
> "John W. Wells" <djinn.TakeThisOut@7Tsimmery.axe> wrote in message
> news:v60883petpduq40bp7cenl5aifi2gse4at@4ax.com...
>> This morning my wife's 2003 Rav4 (60k miles), after no previous
>> symptoms whatsoever, suddenly won't start.
>>
>> The starter makes a rapid, high-pitched ra-ta-ta-ta-ta... sound as
>> long as the key is turned, but seems not to be turning the engine.
>>
>> I've tried it several times over the past couple hours--no change.
>>
>> The battery (original) appears good (headlights bright, the dot on the
>> battery case is blue).
>>
>> It's an automatic, so I guess there's no way to push-start it, right?
>> We're miles from any service facility.
>>
>> I'd sure appreciate any suggestions as to what might have gone wrong
>> and what to check out!
>>
>> John Wells
>
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over 

On Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:39:58 GMT, "Jeff Strickland"
<crwlr DeleteThis @verizon.net> wrote:

>I don't know how they do it, but a 36 month battery is good for 36 months
>and a week. Whatever the term is, the actual life seems to be one week
>longer. Amazing ...

Actually, they're aiming ideally at the battery failure happening
somewhere between 30 and 35.99 months, whenever the residual value
drops to 5%. They want you to come back before the warranty expires
and buy a new battery at full price less the 5% Prorated value.

To get the payout on that warrantee you need to buy another new
battery from the same maker. Even if they give you 10% they still
come out way ahead.

Fool them - once a year get out your rubber gloves and safety
goggles, a putty knife and a gallon of distilled water. Pry the caps
of that "Maintenance Free" (LIE!) battery open and add water to the
indicator rings, they have them. It will add another year or two of
useful life.

Scrubbing off the outside of the battery and scrubbing out the
battery tray and the surrounding area with baking soda and water paste
(followed by a water flush) while you're in there is good too. Don't
get any baking soda inside the battery itself or you kill it.

--<< Bruce >>--
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over 

"sharx35" <sharx35.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:aMWgi.14614$tB5.7167@edtnps90...
>
> "Jeff Strickland" <crwlr.DeleteThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:cyTgi.3836$RZ1.1650@trnddc05...
>> I'd guess that an '03 with the original battery is ready to have the
>> battery swapped out.
>>
>> You don't need a service facility, you need jumper cables.
>
> My 99 Camry is still running fine with the ORIGINAL battery.


You are clearly the exception to the rule. Or, the crooks broke into your
car and installed a battery ...
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over 

mack wrote:
> "John W. Wells" <djinn RemoveThis @7Tsimmery.axe> wrote in message
> news:v60883petpduq40bp7cenl5aifi2gse4at@4ax.com...
>> This morning my wife's 2003 Rav4 (60k miles), after no previous
>> symptoms whatsoever, suddenly won't start.
>>
>> The starter makes a rapid, high-pitched ra-ta-ta-ta-ta... sound as
>> long as the key is turned, but seems not to be turning the engine.
>>
>> I've tried it several times over the past couple hours--no change.
>>
>> The battery (original) appears good (headlights bright, the dot on the
>> battery case is blue).
>>
>> It's an automatic, so I guess there's no way to push-start it, right?
>> We're miles from any service facility.
>>
>> I'd sure appreciate any suggestions as to what might have gone wrong
>> and what to check out!
>>
>> John Wells
>
>
> yep, I'd agree with Jeff - a tickticktickticktick from the starter (in my
> experience at least) means insufficient oomph from the battery to the
> starter or solenoid, like an insufficient charge. You might try rocking
> the car (in park) a couple of times in case the starter gear is hung up in
> some way, but trying to start with a jumped battery would be me first shot
> too. Good luck!

While in this case, it was the battery. However, it could have also been
from dirty terminals on the battery or at the starter or a bad
alternator. In fact, it may still be a bad alternator.

Jeff
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over 

On Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:22:26 GMT, "Jeff Strickland" wrote:
>"sharx35" wrote...

>> My 99 Camry is still running fine with the ORIGINAL battery.
>
>You are clearly the exception to the rule. Or, the crooks broke into your
>car and installed a battery ...

No, actually they've got some better OEM batteries in Japan than the
norm, not normally available as replacements through the parts
channels - treat them right (never leave the lights on, mild climate,
top off with distilled water occasionally) and 8 years is possible, 10
years not implausible.

Though I sure wouldn't push it past 8 years on a nominally 6-year
design life battery. Batteries are cheaper than tow fees.

--<< Bruce >>--
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over 

I would try cleaning all of the connections from the solenoid to the starter
if, as you say, the battery is OK.

mike

"John W. Wells" <djinn.TakeThisOut@7Tsimmery.axe> wrote in message
news:v60883petpduq40bp7cenl5aifi2gse4at@4ax.com...
> This morning my wife's 2003 Rav4 (60k miles), after no previous
> symptoms whatsoever, suddenly won't start.
>
> The starter makes a rapid, high-pitched ra-ta-ta-ta-ta... sound as
> long as the key is turned, but seems not to be turning the engine.
>
> I've tried it several times over the past couple hours--no change.
>
> The battery (original) appears good (headlights bright, the dot on the
> battery case is blue).
>
> It's an automatic, so I guess there's no way to push-start it, right?
> We're miles from any service facility.
>
> I'd sure appreciate any suggestions as to what might have gone wrong
> and what to check out!
>
> John Wells
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over 

Mike Hunter wrote:
> I would try cleaning all of the connections from the solenoid to the starter
> if, as you say, the battery is OK.

I think you are getting really confused. The OP said nothing about the
battery being ok in this post.

In addition, the right thing to say is that the OP should clean the
terminals and battery cables at the battery, too.

Jeff

> mike
>
> "John W. Wells" <djinn.DeleteThis@7Tsimmery.axe> wrote in message
> news:v60883petpduq40bp7cenl5aifi2gse4at@4ax.com...
>> This morning my wife's 2003 Rav4 (60k miles), after no previous
>> symptoms whatsoever, suddenly won't start.
>>
>> The starter makes a rapid, high-pitched ra-ta-ta-ta-ta... sound as
>> long as the key is turned, but seems not to be turning the engine.
>>
>> I've tried it several times over the past couple hours--no change.
>>
>> The battery (original) appears good (headlights bright, the dot on the
>> battery case is blue).
>>
>> It's an automatic, so I guess there's no way to push-start it, right?
>> We're miles from any service facility.
>>
>> I'd sure appreciate any suggestions as to what might have gone wrong
>> and what to check out!
>>
>> John Wells
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over 

Now that you got the car running, you need a new battery ...

You might not need one today, but you'll need one before Christmas; you may
as well buy in now and avoid the rush later.






"John W. Wells" <djinn DeleteThis @7Tsimmery.axe> wrote in message
news:v60883petpduq40bp7cenl5aifi2gse4at@4ax.com...
> This morning my wife's 2003 Rav4 (60k miles), after no previous
> symptoms whatsoever, suddenly won't start.
>
> The starter makes a rapid, high-pitched ra-ta-ta-ta-ta... sound as
> long as the key is turned, but seems not to be turning the engine.
>
> I've tried it several times over the past couple hours--no change.
>
> The battery (original) appears good (headlights bright, the dot on the
> battery case is blue).
>
> It's an automatic, so I guess there's no way to push-start it, right?
> We're miles from any service facility.
>
> I'd sure appreciate any suggestions as to what might have gone wrong
> and what to check out!
>
> John Wells
 >> Stay informed about: Starter goes rat-ta-ta-ta... but no turn-over