Hi Scotty! I just replaced the spark plugs and battery (with a brand new, tested one) on my Mom's 2008 Toyota Camry 2.4l i4. It sat for a while, and the last time I drove it, it ran rough and shook at idle. Now that I've replaced the spark plugs (Denso 3297, gaps at 0.042 (couldn't change gap) and torqued to 14 ft lbs, it seems to not want to start. It will, but I have to turn the key longer to get it to start (it was doing this somewhat before.)
It ran smoothly for about 30 seconds, revved to 2k rpms nicely, then the battery started to drop rapidly in voltage after I let off of the accelerator. It only got up to 13.7 volts even when running, though.
However, I did notice that the crush washer on the negative battery terminal is completely... well, crushed. Pieces of it came off when I was unscrewing that terminal. Would that be enough to cause these issues? If so, how easy is that cable/terminal to replace? Thanks! https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMechanics/s/ifJZjnQbKs
I've never heard of a crush washer on a battery. You mean lock washer? You can get them for a dime at the hardware store.
You can also get cable terminals at any auto part store.
Yes, perhaps it's just corrosion embedded in the threads of the bolt. I'll have to take it off and clean it later today. Do you think a dirty throttle body could also cause these symptoms after replacing the battery? Thanks!
glad you solved it. Thanks for reporting back.
Do you think a dirty throttle body could also cause these symptoms
yes a dirty throttle body can cause rough idle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWCKvU2FmDc
It ended up being a corroded battery connector combined with a vacuum leak from the air filter box. It runs quite well now! Thanks!
Excuse the improper grammar on my title lol.