carlos3366

to install a voltmeter gauge. Has anyone installed gauges in the IS? Any ideas or suggestions? Please post pics of you got them. Thanks.

Slammer1

Two dead batteries in that span of time is unusual. Factory battery is quite diligent and aftermarket is likely to last you at least two or three years before you have any issue. Don't really see how a volt meter would help? My factory battery ('06 IS350) was just replaced a little over a year or so ago, and no issues with the Pep Boys ProStart battery since I switched it out. I am running a pretty heavy load when it comes to my car audio and still haven't had any issues. Can you be more specific in regards to your issues? Sounds like something else may be going on...

carlos3366

Hi, thanks for your reply. My car is stock, no mods.

I don't know why the Lexus batteries are dying, the voltmeter would help me monitor the alternator to make sure its working properly.

If it weren't for the warranty, I would replace it with a different brand name other than "lexus".

Joshohoho

my original battery from my IS250 lasted 5 years. after 6 years it still worked but i replaced it anyway. Have your alternator checked cause it might not be working and draining your battery at the same time.

Bichon

I'm still on the original battery on my 2006 IS, delivered the first week in December 2005. That's 7 years, 8.75 months, and it's still going strong. I credit the long life to the fact that I remove the caps and check the electrolyte level twice a year, adding distilled water as needed. (The magic eye is worthless for determining if water is needed)

I agree with Slammer1 that something doesn't sound right with the original poster's car.

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

Definitely unusual. Are you doing a lot of deep discharge cycles with the batteries?
I.e. running fan, stereo, etc when the motor itself isn't on for long periods of time?

The original battery on my IS250 lasted about 6.5 years before it needed to be replaced.

diverchris

I had two batteries die in three weeks; so its not an unusual problem. I've still yet to get an answer from Lexus about this problem.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

I believe I'm on my NOV '05 350's original battery too. One of the first things I checked on the car after drove it home was the electrolyte level and it needed some for sure. Topped it off and still 2+ yrs later, still working strong. I think I'll probably install new one for this winter though, just as a preventative maintenance thing.

jgr7

iTrader: (1)

I have my radar detector set to display volts.

kennyD

I could be wrong. But, while the engine is on, a voltmeter will read voltage from the ALTERNATOR, not the battery. Unless that was your goal, then it'll work fine. Now a second note, when a battery is on the brink, even though it won't be enough to start the car, it will still read 12V+/- on a voltmeter. At least it did on my DMM when I had a battery that couldn't handle a starting load. I've noticed this on more than one occasion, that batteries will read as having healthy voltage, but won't be able to start the car. The only test I know of is a load test.

I'm not an expert in DC or batteries by any means. That was just my experience with it. What I'm saying is, it may not be worthwhile to have a meter because: 1. It will only let you know if your alternator is not delivering sufficient voltage during engine operation. 2. Even if it reads 12V, your car still may not start.

Maybe someone can correct any errors I've said.

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

I installed a voltage meter on my battery terminal. I used to have one in my Integra inside that was digital also.

NYKnick101

Almost positive its your alternator that's causing the problem. In almost all cars, the battery is there for starting purposes or reserve power when your alternator is not running at 100%. Other than that, the battery is almost never used when the car is powered on other than regulating the power output from the alternator.

you've seen those youtube videos where the car is on and they unplug the battery and the car is still running!. yeah dude, change that alternator and you wont have any more dead batteries