My car keeps dying, please help.

[sajl632]

I have a '99 camry v4. When I turn the key there's a weak sound of the car trying to turn over. If I give it a little gas it's able to finally start, but after 30 seconds or so, the car completely dies. I've had this happen 3 separate times today. Any thoughts on why this is happening would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[Brian R.]

If your battery is more than 3 or 4 years old, and this is a consistent problem now, it is likely that you need a new battery.

[sajl632]

I replaced my battery a little over a year ago so I don't think it's that, and this happened for the first time this mourning. Thanks for your help.

[Brian R.]

I would have the battery checked anyway. It is your most likely and possibly cheapest fix. Some batteries don't live long.

If you battery turns out good, please provide additional information on what happens with your car. It is unclear what you mean by "weak sound of the car turning over".

[sajl632]

I will check the battery. It probably doesn't matter, but the radio and panel lights still work so wouldn't those 2 not work as well? Through my searching today I've read a few articles saying that it could be my carburetor. I know it's extremely hard to tell the problem via what someone says online, but could the carburetor cause the car to stall? Sorry about being so unclear, I'm not that good at describing sounds. When I turn the key there's kind of a ticking noise and the car won't start. When I give it a little gas it starts for a little bit then begins to shake and then finally dies again. Hopefully that makes more sense. Thank you again.

[Brian R.]

You don't have a carburetor, so that's out. The working of electronics means nothing about the ability of the battery to keep the car going and starting. Still sounds most like a battery to me, or a bad battery connection... Check your battery connections and make sure they're reasonably clean and tight.

[Mike Gerber]

^ What Brian said. Multiple rapid clicking (if that's what you are describing) when trying to start the car usually indicates a weak battery or corroded connections at the battery posts/terminals. Also note that a weak battery could be from a defective alternator or a loose alternator belt. Both of those problems would prevent the battery from being properly recharged. Have you tried to jump start the car? If you can get it started with a jump start, that would indicate a weak battery. If you can get the car started with a jump start you can take the car to an Autozone where they will check the car's battery and charging system for free right on the car. Just don't shut the car off when you get there.

Mike

[rigirl]

My car has this same problem, and I think weak startup is the way I'd describe it too. The battery answer may be the solution. I know my terminals used to be corroded a lot and it is a little old. Thanks for commenting. I hope that would fix my problem.