skitch23

Hi! I went to start my 2006 IS 350 last night and it was sluggish to turn over. Same thing again this morning, only worse. My car will have its 4th birthday next week & doesn't quite have 50,000 miles on it yet. Obviously my problem is the battery is dying, but I have already replaced the battery on it twice, so this will be the 4th battery in 4 years! The previous 2 times it was replaced by a Lexus dealer, and I'm headed there again today after work (I just hope I won't have to call roadside for a jump to get me there!). Now granted I live in Arizona so the life expectancy on an 84mo battery is only about 24-36mos, but could there be something else wrong with my car that is draining the battery more rapidly?? I don't do anything out of the norm as far as leaving on electronics or lights. I just start my car, drive to where I'm going and then shut it off. Since my warranty is set to expire next week I am concerned that there will be ongoing issues that will end up coming out of my pocket

kobi2002

Had same problem. I even got a sears batt and it's causing me grief right now

wr332

i had the same problem on my rx350 and i took in got a toyota 7 year battery and now with just a small turn it starts beautiful ( before it was 2~4 trys to get it started ) , not sure if they also replace the starter.

before you say anything about me doing over here in a IS section forum. just to let you know i just got a is350 today.

TicDatDo

iTrader: (1)

Go to Lexus and tell them that you want a 161 Inspection. It's about $120. Some dealers will give inspections for free every 4 years. Get the inspection and see whats wrong. Its worth the money if you do pay. If you are on warranty they should cover what is needed to be done. Maybe it's the battery, maybe it's not, but it's better to know what exactly is wrong with your car now then when your warranty is over. Good Luck and hope all is well.

wr332

161 Inspection? is that the code for checking everything. because my warranty is over on jan,1011 so i better act quick.


edit: so i check online and i got this


161-Point Checklist

A checklist is strictly followed to determine if the vehicle meets Lexus Certified Pre-Owned qualifications, or if repairs or replacement parts are needed. It must meet or exceed all Lexus standards, or the technicians and quality-control managers must exclude it from the program.


what if the car i got was not a pre-owned. it is still called 161 Inspection?

Micaiah

Pre owned or not, the car still goes through 161 points of inspection (as per my dealer) should you ask them to do it.

B16da9

iTrader: (7)

Could be a bad alternator, next time you start the car turn on all your accessories lights radio and what. Then disconnect the negative battery poll (yes I know this can be bad but he probably does not have the right tool for the test) If the car turns off your alternator is no good.

Bichon

Do not attempt to test the alternator by disconnecting the battery with the car running. Autozone will test your alternator the right way for free.

B16da9

iTrader: (7)

I've had "Autozone" equipment tell me an alternator was "Good" when it was toast.

shadowman

iTrader: (2)

^^^ Second alternator issue...

The alternator is like the generator for your car and supposed to take over in supplying power to your car when you crank your engine. A bad alternator will cause your car to run off the battery and drain it like a vampire.

That was my first guess when I read the first post.

B16da9

iTrader: (7)

Yup It's probably not 100% bad but to the point that it's not putting out the amps that it should.

Another thing you should look at is the drive belt. If it has cracks and looks dry rooted it could be slipping on some of the pulleys for sub-systems. Good sign of this is the belt squealing.

wr332

I just call me dealer they say they only do 27 point Check
and the 161 point check is only for when I surender the car over to CPO , and it"s illegel to do a 161

They told me it"s 214 for it. And then when call again later other guy tell me it was free

this is tri state Lexus in nj

gozza

I have a 2006 Lexus IS350... Got it about 3 years ago in 2011.. Noticed the original battery was not holding it's charge any longer and went to Lexus to get a new battery.. That was last year.. In the last week the car was dead twice after work.. But after getting a boost I was fine for about 2 days in-between the next time it just died.. This is bizarre as I have no idea what is draining it, and I also don't leave anything on ex lights, music, etc.... Going to go to a friend to hoist it up and see if he can see anything that doesn't look right, and check the battery and alternator.. If I get any info Il post back later.. If you have any ideas or things I should look at it,, let me know..
Thanks.

jst17

Check voltage to determine if its the battery or not.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

If it is the battery, remember they are warrantied and they should give you a new one if it has only been 1yr. But more than likely you have an alternator going out on you or a minor electrical draw (unfortunately had to track down). Though it happens (but not often), the battery could have had a bad cell from the very start too.