Got a 2006 Corolla with 89,000 miles on it and I am the original owner. I left the ignition on overnight. Went to start it, no lights, nothing. Put a charger on the battery. After about 8 hours went to take off the charger and the charger was displaying battery no good. There was enough charge, however, so it turned over and started. After a few hours I went to start the car again and nothing. I put on my battery tester and it showed Dead Cell. So I went and got a new battery. I installed it, went to start the car and nothing. Engine did not even turn over, BUT there were lights and my tester showed good 100% life. I then got a long ratchet extension tapped on the starter and it started. Could leaving on the ignition have damaged the starter?
Could leaving on the ignition have damaged the starter?
No.
Seeing as how (if original) the starter is 17-18 years old it should be no surprise if it needs to be replaced. A common test is to tap a "dead" starter, as you did, and if it then works it means the starter has a dead spot and should be replaced.
Thanks Chuck. Bought a battery, now I have to go get a starter! Double whammy!
It's all part of the joys of driving an older vehicle. It sure beats car payments though!
Could leaving on the ignition have damaged the starter?
No, it probably just a coincidence
Yeah. Double whammy on the wallet!