Matrix weak battery

I have a 2014 Toyota Matrix with a gasoline engine, and recently I've been having trouble with what seems like a weak battery. Sometimes it struggles to start, and I've noticed the lights dimming or flickering, especially at idle. I've checked the battery terminals and they seem clean. The car has 116477 km on it. Could this be a battery issue, or something else? Any thoughts?

4 comment(s)

I had a similar issue with my Matrix. Those symptoms – the weak starts and flickering lights – sound a lot like a faulty battery sensor. It's like the sensor isn't telling the car the correct battery charge level, so it's not charging the battery properly. Have you had the battery tested?

Thanks for the quick reply! No, I haven't had the battery specifically tested, but how would I go about testing the sensor itself, or even knowing if it is the sensor? Is there a way to do that at home, or is it something I should leave to a professional?

Testing the sensor accurately requires specific tools, like a multimeter and the know-how to interpret the readings. Think of it like trying to diagnose a heart problem without medical equipment. The best course of action is probably to take it to a trusted workshop for a proper battery and charging system diagnosis. They can pinpoint the problem, whether it's the sensor or something else related to the battery charge.

Okay, that makes sense. I appreciate the advice! I'll take it to a shop and have them run a proper diagnostic. Just wanted to say it was indeed the battery sensor. Got it replaced, and the final repair cost was 315€. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!

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