Battery completely dead after driving?

I have a 2003 tundra v6, the other day the battery died because a door was left ajar. For the last 2 days I have to jump it every time I go to start it. I can drive it for an hour and the moment I turn it off, the battery is completely dead. Would this be a battery issue or an alternator issue?

 

Can you stop by auto zone or similar to have your charging system checked? It's a good place to start. Let us know what they suggest and report back. We can give you more accurate suggestion with a bit more info.

 

I am going to stop after work, I will let you know what I’m told. Thank you

 

How old is the battery? Sounds like it might have been close to death and never recovered from that drain. Hopefully it's that, cheaper solve.

 

Generally speaking,
Dies when driving- alternator
Dead when trying to start- battery
Sounds like the battery is gone.

 

Forgot to mention, the battery is an autocraft gold and only like 3 months old.

 

Take the battery back and have them load test it.

 

I agree that Battery should be tested first, electrical can do some weird stuff!

However I will say that when my alternator went out it still charged a little, so the truck would keep running when at speed. However, when trying to start it back up the battery did not have enough juice from being charged by the alternator. So it still could be your alternator! If it is, then do yourself a favor and buy a Denso alternator. Don't go cheap or off-brand.

 

How many miles on your truck?

 

After jump starting and the engine is running, measure the voltage at the battery terminals. You should see 13.5-14 volts if your alternator is working properly. You may have to rev it slightly to see this. If 12 volts or less, the alternator is bad or worn out. Typically just the brushes need to be changed, no need for a new or rebuilt alternator.

Dan

 

Not many people know about the brushes, what are brushes, where are brushes and of course how to anything brushes. I can't even remember the last time I cracked open an alternator...... I'm officially getting old

 

If someone is a DIY type who would replace the alternator themselves, it is eezee peezee to remove the brush module on the rear of the alternator and replace it with a new module for $20.00 or so (no need to crack it open, just a few screws). Then it goes back in as if a new alternator was to be mounted. I've done this several times on several vehicles, alternator function restored completely. If one is not the DIY type then it is up to the mechanic.

Dan

 

The armature in the Toyota alternator ride's on bearings correct? I know American vehicles use a copper bushing.

I think the next time you get this job done you should make a video

 

Yes, both Toyota alternators I replaced the brushes on (1982 SR5 long bed and 2006 Tundra) had ball bearings. The only wear point needing attention were the brushes. On my 1982 I had to remove the brushes from the module and install the new ones, a little more involved than the 2006. On the 2006, the brushes reside in a plastic module mounted to the back of the alternator. Remove old module, install new module, pull the pins that keep the new brushes retracted so they can contact the stator and that's it, remount in vehicle.

I first learned this from a close friend who worked for decades as a Master GM mechanic. He indicated that most times (not always, but most) an alternator fails it is because of worn out brushes. In may cases, that was true.

There are a bunch of videos on Youtube, just search for "replacing brushes in toyota alternators".

Dan

 

Good stuff

 

https://youtu.be/71_kBhg6_-A