Hi all, I hope I can find some help here to keep the cost of fixing my van down.
My battery always goes down when the van is parked. I had it fully charged today and tested with a multimeter all of the fuses under the glovebox. There was a draw of 4.24 - 4.26 and this didn't change when any of those fuses were pulled. Are there any more fuses I need to check? Do I need to disconnect the alternator and check that? What about the starter? What if checking all those things doesn't find the issue, what's my next step?
I should mention that occasionally, even when the battery is charged enough to start, I get no response when turning the ignition - no dash lights, no clicks, nothing - but if I have it jumped, then it will start without a problem the next time, even if it's shut off right after the jump and then attempted with the key. Also, when I am driving and push the accelerator pedal, all of the dash lights come on and stay on until I remove my foot from the accelerator.
I've owned this van since it was brand new and this is the first serious trouble with it. The alternator was replaced not that long ago and so was the water pump, and I had the starter rebuilt by a mechanic who specializes in Toyotas. He's really good, but I don't live near him anymore.
The problem started around the time I had the radio and horn replaced. The guy who did it might have caused a problem, or it might just be a coincidence, but I've had the radio disconnected ever since then. The new horn is on the dashboard because he couldn't figure out how to do it inside the steering column. Neither of the dome lights have worked in years, even with fresh fuses and light bulbs, they will not work, and I don't know why.
I've replaced the battery twice in the last year. Right after replacing the battery the first time, I couldn't start the van at all, even with jumper cables. Another mechanic rigged up a new positive battery cable with fusible link wire. Before this trouble occurred, the dashboard lights were staying on all the time even when idling.
Maybe all these details can yield some clues to more mechanically inclined forum visitors. I really don't know much about fixing cars, and I haven't got much money (none, really) but I need this vehicle to keep running and would really prefer to be able to use the radio and to not have to always disconnect the battery when it's parked.
That's about all I can tell you about the electrical condition of this van. Thanks for reading and for any suggestions.
P.S. I know about not removing the key without using the button to lock it. I've never done it.