my Toyota RAV4 won't start and the dashboard lights are flickering, what's the cause?

Solution

1. Preparation

• Ensure safety by wearing gloves and safety goggles.
• Gather tools: multimeter, wrench set, battery terminal cleaner, and a battery charger if needed.

2. Battery Inspection and Cleaning

• Step 1: Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
• Step 2: Remove the positive terminal and inspect for corrosion.
• Step 3: Clean terminals using a battery terminal cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water.
• Step 4: Reconnect the positive terminal first, followed by the negative terminal.

3. Battery Replacement (if necessary)

• Step 1: If the battery voltage is low or the load test fails, remove the old battery by loosening the hold-down bracket.
• Step 2: Disconnect the terminals and lift the battery out of the tray.
• Step 3: Place the new battery into the tray and connect the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal.
• Step 4: Secure the battery with the hold-down bracket.

4. Starter and Alternator Check

• Step 1: If the vehicle still won’t start, inspect the starter connections and ensure they are tight.
• Step 2: Test the starter motor using a multimeter to check for voltage when the ignition key is turned.
• Step 3: If the starter is faulty, replace it with a new unit, following the manufacturer's torque specifications for mounting bolts.

5. Final Steps

• Step 1: Reconnect the battery and ensure all connections are secure.
• Step 2: Start the engine and check that all dashboard lights function correctly.