|
| | |
|
|
markortwein
New User
Nov 15, 2011, 9:33 AM
Post #1 of 6
(1662 views)
|
|
Sparks now "pop pop"
|
Sign In
|
|
All,
I've had trouble with my positive battery cable coming loose due to vibration while driving. (This is due to buying a really cheap battery with small posts) Anyway, every once in awhile my pickup won't start and I'll have to tighten the cable to the battery.
Anyway, last night I tried to start my car and heard "pop, pop" sound. That's two pops in rapid succession...the first was slightly louder and higher pitched than the second. (This is not the rapid clicking indicating a bad battery--completely different sound.) So, I went inside and had my wife come out and try to start the pickup while I watched. Low and behold, there were a few sparks from the positive terminal when she tried to start it. I checked the terminal and it was clean but a little loose, so I tightened it and tried again. Once more I got the duel pops--but no sparks. I tried to locate where the noise was coming from, and it seemed to be located near the alternator. I also noticed that the belt looked pretty worn.
Any ideas what might be going on?
|
|
| |
|
|
Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 15, 2011, 10:40 AM
Post #2 of 6
(1636 views)
|
|
Re: Sparks now "pop pop"
|
Sign In
|
|
It's impossible for a battery cable to "loosen" on it's own if installed correctly. Replace the cable or at least the end and fix it right.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
|
|
| |
|
|
Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Nov 15, 2011, 11:08 AM
Post #3 of 6
(1629 views)
|
|
Re: Sparks now "pop pop"
|
Sign In
|
|
Without being able to hear the noise makes its hard to tell
A plug wire arcing came to mind when I read the post but without knowing what type of vehicle this is, I'm not sure of the routing of the wires.....
|
|
| |
|
|
markortwein
New User
Nov 15, 2011, 11:47 AM
Post #4 of 6
(1620 views)
|
|
Re: Sparks now "pop pop"
|
Sign In
|
|
Sorry, it's a Toyota Tacoma (1999) extended cab. 4 cylinder engine.
I should probably mention that I had the starter replace two month ago...but the noise isn't coming from that region. It really seems to emanate from the front of the vehicle, down low around the alternator. Also, the noise sounds "mechanical" rather than "electric"--almost like something is catching.
I don't know if that helps or not.
|
|
| |
|
|
Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Nov 15, 2011, 12:02 PM
Post #5 of 6
(1618 views)
|
|
Re: Sparks now "pop pop"
|
Sign In
|
|
Actually it does help if you know what an electrical arc sounds like....
A stethoscope would help to pinpoint the sound. Most people don't have one of those handy so in a pinch I will use a 3' 3/8s extension but any long thin rod should do. Touch one end to different areas where the noise is coming from & put your ear on the other end. This may help to narrow the field.
If you are sure its in the frt area, you could try taking the belts off & running it. If the noise goes away it's in one of the belt drive accessories or a bad belt.....
|
|
| |
|
|
markortwein
New User
Nov 15, 2011, 12:11 PM
Post #6 of 6
(1614 views)
|
|
Re: Sparks now "pop pop"
|
Sign In
|
|
That's very helpful, thanks. A belt does squeal every now and then. I'll attempt to remove the belt that looks worn tonight after work.
|
|
| |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
1989 toyota pickup 3.0 crank no start
Please Help - Knock sound & engine fail
