The 1998 Toyota Camry battery draining problem may be caused by corroded battery cables, a faulty battery, or a defective alternator. Determining the source of the problem might be difficult, but the solution is affordable.

We’ve all been there—you walk out to the car and your battery won’t start! Now you need to ask your neighbor for a jump start and are late for work. It’s a frustrating problem 1998 Toyota Camry owners are all too familiar with, but it’s time to get answers.

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What causes the 1998 Toyota Camry battery draining problem?

Drivers have reported their 1998 Toyota Camry battery drained after being parked for just a few days or even while driving. While both are considered parasitic drains, they have different causes.

Does your car battery die after you’ve left your Camry parked in the driveway for a couple of days? Then it’s likely you have a

bad car battery

, and it will need to be replaced. However, if your car battery drains while you are driving, you’re dealing with a faulty alternator.

While a faulty battery or alternator is the most common cause of the Toyota Camry battery drain problem, corroded battery cables and electrical issues could be responsible for the parasitic drain.

MORE:

How to refill a car battery

How to fix the Toyota Camry’s battery draining problem

With so many possible sources draining your car’s battery, the best way to fix the problem is to take your 1998 Toyota Camry to a trusted mechanic to have it properly diagnosed. Try and leave your car at the shop for a few days so the technician can observe the draining problem and identify the source.

If the problem is a bad battery, then you’ll have to

replace it

to fix the draining problem, which can cost anywhere from $45 to $250 depending on the shop you go to. With most of the cost going towards labor, you can save money by purchasing a car battery from your local auto parts store and replacing it yourself.

Here’s how to replace a car battery:

Check the owner’s manual for your car battery’s location

Identify the positive and negative posts and their respective cables

Loosen the bolts that secure terminals and cables to the battery post with a wrench

Disconnect the terminals and cables from the battery posts

Remove the retaining clamp holding the battery in place

Lift out to remove the old battery

Examine the cables to ensure their clean and corrosion free

Align the new battery to the positive and negative terminals

Insert the new battery and secure the retaining clamp

Apply anti-corrosion grease to the battery posts

Connect the positive terminal to the positive post and then connect the negative

If your

battery alert

remains on after you’ve replaced your car battery or the battery continues to die, here are a few potential causes to watch out for:

You have a faulty alternator and it has not been charging your battery enough

Check your battery posts for corrosion and clean with a wire brush

Your

car lights have been left on overnight

MORE: Toyota Camry LE V6

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