GoodRevs

Big car trouble it seems. I removed the climate control module (climate buttons) on the dash on my 03 ES to replace some bulbs. I had the lights/nav/accessories running just on battery for 15-20 minutes. Put the climate module back in and the car wouldn't start. I could hear the starter clicking but the engine wouldn't turn over. So I had AAA give me a jump start and tested the battery, it had poor health. The car was running again at this point, but it idled really low and the lights were pulsating. So I went to Sears and got a new Diehard battery and put it in. The car started up but once again it was idling low and the climate control lights are out as well as being unable to use some of the climate functions. I've left the car in this state.

What could be wrong? Is it possible the alternator was bad and on its way out and me running off the battery for 20 minutes drained the battery to the point that the alternator wasn't able to charge the battery up? I find it hard to believe that unplugging three little harnesses in back of that climate module screwed up the car to this point. I'm taking it into Lexus asap. Thanks for any advice you can provide.

yeskay

you can do a free electrical test (alternator) in Kragens or autozone.

GoodRevs

Yes I considered this, but I'm concerned of it dieing on my way there. I'm afraid I may have to have it towed to the dealership.

brandoe91

iTrader: (1)

Make sure the plug to the alternator is plugged in tightly.Mine wasn't and gave me the same symtoms.2 gen es though.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

not the same year, but check this?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...f-the-day.html

Also the battery has to 'get used to' the draw from electrical components over the next couple of days. So wait it out?

GoodRevs

I'm fortunate enough to know a good mechanic who was able to get the car into his shop before the 4th of July Weekend. It does not seem like there was any issue with the alternator. When I dissembled the climate module in the dash a ribbon cable came loss (coulda sworn I re-inserted it). ABS/VSC lights came on, A/C stopped functioning, idle was low...basically a lot of stop went wrong. They went through and checked the sensors, did an "Idle relearn strategy", cleaned throttle plates and a few other checks here and there.

The car's driving fine now. Idling properly and accelerates as I remember it. All buttons on the climate dash module function fine, although the backlight is out for all of them (probably my fault).

I still don't understand how removing that climate module f*ed up the car to such a point. I basically did the same thing on the 01 ES a dozen times without an issue. It wasn't cheap for this work but luckily it got done for the weekend so it can be used for next week.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

^ whoa! Sorry to hear of all the torubles, at least its good now...