QuestionHi, I am trying to fix my own 91 Toyota corolla. I have replaced the battery and it ran just fine. Then it sat for about a week without my starting it. I jumped it and let it run for 30, everything was fine. Then I shut it off and tried to restart it, the lights and door buzzer worked just fine but the engine did nothing - didn't even try to turn over. I figured it is either the alternator or the starter but don't know how to test them. I don't want to go to a mechanic because they always over charge women. Please help.
AnswerTo test the alternator, get the car running by jumpstarting, etc.
Once the vehicle is running, disconnect the negative terminal from the battery. This causes the alternator to be your sole source of power for the sparkplugs, etc. If the car stalls, it is a BAD alternator; if it doesn't, then the alternator is good.
Your battery may be bad (shorted cell, dead cell, etc). Even though you recently replaced it, yo should have it checked (for free) at the place you purchased it or one of those chain auto places (Sears, Pep Boys, etc.)
I doubt it is your starter because you can jumpstart the car. If there is not enough amperes left in the battery the starter won't ev en try to turn over. To check the starter, disconnect the battery. Remove the starter and take it to one of those chain auto stores who check that stuff for free.
Hope this helps.
Vince
