[Blogson]

Welcome! When you said that your RAV wouldn't start, does that mean that the starter motor wouldn't engage? Preliminarily the problem would appear to be with the battery but it should be load tested, not simply voltage tested (many auto parts stores will do that for free) in order to be certain. If after having the battery tested it passes the test, checking and if necessary cleaning the battery and battery cable connections would eliminate that as the cause.

 

[nopalito]

Yes, the motor would not engage. I will do what you suggest, and hopefully that will do the trick. Thank you.

 

[Blogson]

If those basic tests and checks don't identify the cause, the difficulty could be related to the keyless system, perhaps the battery in the fob needing replacement. I don't have a keyless system and have no other knowledge about it apart from that battery, but other forum members do.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

For a quick DIY test put the headlights on and then try to start the car. If they stay bright the problem isn't the battery or it's connections.
If they go out or very dim it's most likely new battery time altho charging it may get you a few more days.

 

[Rickl]

Because everything else is functioning, I don't think it's the battery. But after reading something on another thread, I sounds like it might be,

You could take it to a shop and have the battery tested, or you could save some time and try to boost the RAV from a second vehicle (either your own or a neighbor's). If it starts then you have confirmed the battery theory in just seconds.

Yes, the motor would not engage.

To a mechanic, that phrase means the starter motor spins, but the gears on the motor do not "engage" with the flywheel. However I have a suspicion that you may be meaning that the starter motor simply doesn't spin. Can you verify which is the case for you.

 

[Blogson]

For a quick DIY test put the headlights on and then try to start the car. If they stay bright the problem isn't the battery or it's connections.
If they go out or very dim it's most likely new battery time altho charging it may get you a few more days.

Since the OP said that the starter didn't do anything this test likely won't reveal much . . .:wink

 

[Dr. Dyno]

Since the OP said that the starter didn't do anything this test likely won't reveal much . . .:wink

I'm going on the OP saying

but the ignition simply clicked over and over several times,

This could be the clicking of the starter solenoid a very common symptom of a weak battery. My headlight brightness test would confirm it instantly.

 

[Francesco]

Just open the door and look at the dome light as the starter is engaged to see if the battery is weak. This works in bright sunlight.

Frank 2015 Rav4 XLE AWD with 7600 miles

 

[nopalito]

You could take it to a shop and have the battery tested, or you could save some time and try to boost the RAV from a second vehicle (either your own or a neighbor's). If it starts then you have confirmed the battery theory in just seconds.


To a mechanic, that phrase means the starter motor spins, but the gears on the motor do not "engage" with the flywheel. However I have a suspicion that you may be meaning that the starter motor simply doesn't spin. Can you verify which is the case for you.

The starter did not "engage", it just clicked. The headlights do dim a little as it clicks.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

Just open the door and look at the dome light as the starter is engaged to see if the battery is weak. This works in bright sunlight.

Either way but I like putting the load of the headlights on the battery and since it's a remote starter I could be done standing in front of the car.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

The starter did not "engage", it just clicked. The headlights do dim a little as it clicks.

"Dim a little" is normal, that's what mind does as it starts. Probably is a failed starter.
One more test. Try it 10-12 times in succession.

 

[ashtonybb]

true true true!

1. test the battery, check the voltage first. i've experienced, 10v to 12.6v could crank/start the engine. if is less than 10v, thats not good, so
charge it first then check battery voltage again.
2. how old is the battery? 4-5 years may show symptoms like losing charge that quickly, or cannot be fully charged.
3. OP said, you can try cranking it with the headlamps on and such, but going back to number 1, you really need to use a jumpstart with a booster or
someone can hook you up.
4. lets say after you replace the battery, it failed again after 1 or 2 or 3 months, you need to make sure your cables are clean (to the starter motor unit) , on the power/positive and
the ground/negative as well. if you visually checked the cables and they are cleaned and intact. have it boosted and if started, replace the battery.

 

[nopalito]

Thanks everyone for your responses. It was the battery, thankfully! Took it in to Autozone to have it tested and it was bad. Its about 4.5 years old. The lights and all accessories worked, though the headlights did dim while attempting to crank. Really appreciate all the support it was really helpful.