Alternator, Battery

Asked by Reza1993 Oct 10, 2018 at 03:30 PM about the 2005 Toyota Camry LE FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have changed my battery, and the multi-meter shows 12.57 when the car is
off. But, when I start the engine the multi-meter shows 12.25!! which it should
be at least 13.7 I guess. Could you please tell me that why the reading when
the car is on is not even equal to what it is in off

5 Answers

140

You can start the car and then disconnect the battery. If the car keeps running the alternator is most likely still good, if it dies the alternator may be the issue. You can also remove the alternator and have it tested (make sure to disconnect the battery before working on the alternator).

158,955

DO NOT disconnect the alternator while the engine is running. This "Redneck" test can send a voltage spike into the electrical system that can damage the ECU. You can drive the vehicle to an auto parts store and have the alternator tested on the vehicle or you can remove it and take it to have it tested. The B+ supply (large connection) should have battery voltage supplied to it at all times, even when the key is in the off position. If battery voltage at the alternator is missing, then there is a problem somewhere along the wire that supplies the alternator with power.

260

Battery is 12.5 volts. When the car starts, the Alternator puts out 14.3 volts to charge the battery. Thats ok

Your Answer:

Camry

Looking for a Used Camry in your area?

CarGurus has 952 nationwide Camry listings starting at $2,212.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Reelin68
    Reputation
    34,650
  • #2
    Tony Ciccotelli
    Reputation
    19,700
  • #3
    Tony Ciccotelli
    Reputation
    5,700
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Accord
44 Great Deals out of 907 listings starting at $2,799
Used Toyota Corolla
120 Great Deals out of 1,950 listings starting at $1,995
Used Honda Civic
159 Great Deals out of 3,391 listings starting at $2,230
Used Toyota RAV4
79 Great Deals out of 2,040 listings starting at $3,499
Used Toyota Avalon
24 listings starting at $5,388
Used Lexus IS
26 Great Deals out of 343 listings starting at $5,800
Used Lexus ES
6 Great Deals out of 197 listings starting at $4,500
Used Nissan Altima
27 Great Deals out of 672 listings starting at $2,000
Used Toyota Tacoma
55 Great Deals out of 1,032 listings starting at $8,708
Used Honda CR-V
89 Great Deals out of 3,819 listings starting at $1,995
Used Toyota 4Runner
14 Great Deals out of 328 listings starting at $9,900
Used Toyota Highlander
25 Great Deals out of 712 listings starting at $6,495
Used Dodge Charger
43 Great Deals out of 606 listings starting at $4,888

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.