Matrix battery issues

Hey, I've got a 2009 Toyota Matrix with a gasoline engine and I'm having some weird battery issues. At 189050 km. Lately, I've been getting error messages on the speedometer, the lights are weak and flickering, and there's an error stored in the system memory. Starting the engine is also a pain because the battery seems really weak. Anyone else had this?

4 comment(s)

Sounds familiar. I had a similar problem with my Matrix. Intermittent electrical gremlins are the worst. Did you check the battery sensor by any chance? They can cause all sorts of weirdness when they start to fail, leading to a low battery. It's definitely worth a look before you start replacing the battery itself.

Battery sensor, huh? I'm not super familiar with that. Where is that usually located, and is there a way to test it without special equipment?

Yeah, the battery sensor monitors the battery's condition and communicates with the car's computer. Usually, it's attached directly to the negative terminal of the battery. Testing it properly requires a multimeter that can read voltage and current, but honestly, with those symptoms and the age of the car, it's probably best to take it to a workshop. They can diagnose it properly and avoid you chasing ghosts. I had to pay 315€ for the repair. But at least I could solve the issue.

Thanks for the tip! I'll take it to a mechanic and have them check the battery sensor. Sounds like that's the most likely culprit. Hopefully, it's an easy fix.

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