toyota rav4 still wont start after record cold weather

Asked by Paul Edward Feb 04, 2019 at 05:45 PM about the 1997 Toyota RAV4 4 Door

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

After a record cold spell in Chicago by 1997 Toyota RAV4 didnt start.  The
ignition wouldnt even turn.  The electric lock on the doors wasnt working and
no lights showed up on the dash board.  Today, after the temps reached the
40s, I put the key in the ignition, the key turned to the right but it felt like a
rubber band was pulling it back toward the OFF position.  Nothing happened.  
Absolutely nothing.  No noise, nothing.  
What should I do?

3 Answers

Paul Edward answered 5 years ago

Thanks. I took a look at the battery and there was a bunch of chalky stuff by the positive and negative knobs. Is this common?

Mark helpful

F_O_R answered 5 years ago

Corrosion is common. I would remove the cables, clean the posts and tighten up the connections. You can buy a tool for a few bucks at the car parts store. Baking soda is also good for cleaning up corrosion.

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • toyota rav4 still wont start after record cold weather 3 Answers

    After a record cold spell in Chicago by 1997 Toyota RAV4 didnt start. The ignition wouldnt even turn. The electric lock on the doors wasnt working and no lights showed up on the dash board. Today...

    1997 Toyota RAV4 4 Door

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2010 rav4 wont start after replacing battery 2 Answers

    My 2010 Rav4 (smart start) will not start after replacing old battery with a new battery. Please help

    2010 Toyota RAV4 Limited V6 4WD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2003 Toyota Rav4 Won't Start 1 Answer

    Got in my car to go to work this morning and everything seemed fine. Car started fine but almost immediately after starting it there was a loud pop and everything shut down. Now when I turn the key no...

    2003 Toyota RAV4 4WD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • RAV4 2007 wont start after removing battery for three days 4 Answers

    Hi. I removed the battery of my RAV4 2007, and when reconnected Car wont start at all. It cranks, there is fuel pressure on the line, and the coils voltage levels are ok. The key is standard. There ...

    2007 Toyota RAV4 Sport AWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • HELP! 01 Rav4 wont start after Alternator replacement! 4 Answers

    Hello! So lets start from the beginning.. Every morning we would come out and go to start the car but nothing, no crank, nothing. So we would have to put the blow dryer onto the starter for about ...

    2001 Toyota RAV4 Base 4WD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

RAV4

Looking for a Used RAV4 in your area?

CarGurus has 27,942 nationwide RAV4 listings starting at $1,350.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1997 Toyota RAV4

Write a car review

Review another car

Shortcuts

Search Toyota RAV4 Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    CHARLES DEFAZIO
    Reputation
    4,710
  • #2
    Evie Hunt
    Reputation
    4,130
  • #3
    kathymay22
    Reputation
    3,290
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda CR-V
1,994 Great Deals out of 41,067 listings starting at $1,100
Used Toyota Camry
1,992 Great Deals out of 34,576 listings starting at $500
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,230 Great Deals out of 18,341 listings starting at $1,800
Used Toyota Corolla
1,589 Great Deals out of 23,205 listings starting at $625
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,838 Great Deals out of 31,130 listings starting at $2,295
Used Subaru Forester
1,079 Great Deals out of 26,219 listings starting at $2,000
Used Honda Accord
1,506 Great Deals out of 28,825 listings starting at $500
Used Honda Civic
1,353 Great Deals out of 28,004 listings starting at $1,299

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Toyota RAV4 For Sale
34 Great Deals out of 7,552 listings starting at $23,999
2023 Toyota RAV4 For Sale
269 Great Deals out of 2,586 listings starting at $21,273
2022 Toyota RAV4 For Sale
272 Great Deals out of 2,243 listings starting at $17,995
2021 Toyota RAV4 For Sale
327 Great Deals out of 4,871 listings starting at $15,991
2020 Toyota RAV4 For Sale
134 Great Deals out of 1,592 listings starting at $17,198

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.