Lexus batteries dying quick
10-24-13, 09:08 PM
#1
Lexus batteries dying quick
So I noticed that my battery is dying again. I got the car used, but from the service history, the battery was replaced 2 years into service, then 2 years later it needed to be replaced again; now, little over 1 year it's dying again. They're all Lexus batteries (not sure who manufacture them).
Is it just bad luck? How are you guys' battery history? I'm in AZ, so it's hot here, but batteries from other cars last minimum of 3 years or more from what I can tell.
Is it just bad luck? How are you guys' battery history? I'm in AZ, so it's hot here, but batteries from other cars last minimum of 3 years or more from what I can tell.
10-24-13, 11:05 PM
#2
Don't make the mistake that the previous owner seems to have made (if I'm understanding your post properly). Don't get the battery replaced at the dealership. It's stupid expensive, and the warranty, from what I recall, is crap. Just go to Autozone and get a duralast or something. You can pay like $100 (with installation, which is free) for a battery with an 8-year warranty.
... With that said, my original Lexus battery lasted nearly five years in my IS350. So I wonder if there's some kind of short or small electrical leak in your car.
... With that said, my original Lexus battery lasted nearly five years in my IS350. So I wonder if there's some kind of short or small electrical leak in your car.
10-25-13, 12:20 AM
#3
hm, I'll check that out. If there is a leak, it must be recent so it doesn't explain the constant replacements before. A few months ago, I left the car parked for 4 days straight and start it without issues. Now, when I tried to start it in the morning, it will hesitate. The battery only reads 12.1V, which I'm surprised it even starts.
10-25-13, 06:08 AM
#6
hm, I'll check that out. If there is a leak, it must be recent so it doesn't explain the constant replacements before. A few months ago, I left the car parked for 4 days straight and start it without issues. Now, when I tried to start it in the morning, it will hesitate. The battery only reads 12.1V, which I'm surprised it even starts.
Small delay in starting means the battery is about to go. Same thing happened to me. Copped a duralast gold which has 5 year warranty for 115 bucks.
Good luck!
Trending Topics
10-25-13, 08:44 AM
#8
I'm on original panasonic battery with 07 350 too. Just had to top up the cells with distilled water last year and it was measured at 520 cca so still good.
Won't be replacing with OEM when it's time though. Those suckers retail for $1400
Won't be replacing with OEM when it's time though. Those suckers retail for $1400
10-25-13, 11:50 AM
#9
^Cough cough...$140. 
OP, to me is sounds like you've got either an alternator not working at 100% or an electrical short causing a continous power draw. My Nov '05 manufacturer dated '06 IS350 Panasonic battery I just replaced this past Monday. Still had an acceptable 383CCA, according to the printout from the dealership; but of course it recommended replacement. I'd say I got my 8yrs worth out of that battery!
Stuck in a 5yr, 18 month free replacement battery for $60' I'm good to go now!
OP, to me is sounds like you've got either an alternator not working at 100% or an electrical short causing a continous power draw. My Nov '05 manufacturer dated '06 IS350 Panasonic battery I just replaced this past Monday. Still had an acceptable 383CCA, according to the printout from the dealership; but of course it recommended replacement. I'd say I got my 8yrs worth out of that battery!
Stuck in a 5yr, 18 month free replacement battery for $60' I'm good to go now!
10-26-13, 10:19 AM
#10
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: AZ
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the Phoenix area, 2 years is about all you will get from most batteries. I noticed that the Lexus batteries have like an 8 year warranty, so I had my last one replaced under warranty. Good thing I noticed that while sitting outside the Autozone about to buy a new one.
10-27-13, 05:52 PM
#13
I have an 09 is250. The first battery lasted three years the second one for three weeks and the third was bad been good since February. So yes I'm with the OP the batteries are problematic
10-27-13, 05:59 PM
#14
On both my GS I was replacing them every 2 years. Then I turned off the autolights and battery life improved big time. I've spoken to other people with the same issue. Lexus service says everything is okay but they think we're dummies. Anyway, turning off the auto light switch is working for me so I won't complain.
10-28-13, 10:03 PM
#15
So after a little bit of testing, I found that the car is is drawing 2 Amps when the car is off. I was almost sure that something in the car is not working right, but talking to someone that needs to jump my car, he said that a bad battery could actually show current draw. Anyone can confirm that? I got the battery tested, and it's actually a bad battery as well. The dealer is going to replace it under warranty -- I wanted to ask them to test the current draw again after the replacement, but think that they might charge for diagnostics.