Lexuses71

Couple hrs ago, as I was heading home, my Nav screen just started filliping out. I tuned Audio off. Screen started flickering , dark one minute, white the next, no screen text. Then my battery light started glowing. The dash lights dimmed (when I came to a stop), only my odometer was visible. So I'm trying like hell to get home in heavy traffic before this sucker dies on me. What I did notice was if I shifted into neutral at a light and give it a bit of gas, the lights brightened back up.

Now, let me also say this also happened 4 wks ago fr the 1st time. Luckily, I was near my Lexus mechanic, I had car towed & he installed a new Alternator and battery. It was fine until tonight.

AAA Club tow track came and couldn't get it to start, let alone give me enuff juice to roll the windows up. BUT...the emergency flashers worked, although dimly

This is NOT a car that is neglected, it is my daily driver and only has barely 77K miles on it. I take it in regularly for preventive maintenance. But tonight, it said "eff it".

I will have it towed back to my shop who put the parts in tomorrow. Until 4 weeks ago, this car has been so very reliable. At least when it did die, I was 400 yards from my home (Thanks Gawd!), so it held up until then.

But does anyone have the foggiest idea what could be the issue here?? Any input is well appreciated!! Thanks guys.

LScowboyLS

still sounds like alternator and battery! - but we need more information, does the mechanic know what he is doing with auto electric? - did he truly use a new alternator and a new battery?

did he clean the battery terminals and check from drains and good grounds? - the LS400 positive battery terminals are known to have issues, I would start by replacing that, and make sure to use the one from the dealership (about $15 at any Toyota or Lexus dealership)

get us voltage readings across the battery with a multimeter with car off, car on at idle and car on and at 2000 rpm, so we have a little more to go on!

GH5T

Sounds as if the alternator has failed again.

Sc0pe

iTrader: (1)

Do you have a leaking power steering pump? If that's the case, the fluid might be dripping onto the alternator and subsequently damaging it. Give the PS pump a look-see and make sure it isn't leaking, otherwise it's pretty much rinse and repeat (no pun intended) as far as repairs go.

Lexuses71

Thanks everyone for the input, really appreciated. I suspect the Alternator the shop installed is a lemon (It DID make a barely audible 'high pitched whining sound' the day I picked it up. I took it back for that issue & asked them about that, the mechanic assured me it was OK, "it either works or it doesn't" & he did do a system check and verified all was well), BUT... I WILL also ask them to check for a leaking PS Pump as well. Also will have them give me the voltage readings as u suggest.

LS Cowboy: Yes, the Alternator was (supposedly) new and well as a new Interstate heavy duty battery of the correct amperage. But hey, you never know.

Regardless, I will have my car towed back to them today. They installed it all, they have to fix it. Let you all know. I've been using this shop for years for all 3 of my cars, they always do excellent work, and I know the owner well, no rip off shop. We shall see....

Lexuses71

My mechanic just called, car repaired! As suspected, it was a defective Alternator, which killed the brand new Battery. There was no PS fluid leaking. All replacement parts & labor covered under warranty, yes! Thanks again for all the excellent inputs, fellas. Gave me talking points when I took it in today. Hope this is it for a while, I've had more than enough excitement for now.