Dead Battery-Could it be the starter?
#1
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Dead Battery-Could it be the starter?
Got in the LS yesterday and it was completely dead. Found that the trunk wasn't fully closed and was probably open for about 8 hours. No problem, my jump box started the car immediately.
Went to Autozone (only thing open at 9:00 am on a Sunday) and they put a tester on it. Battery, alternator and starter all checked out fine. Clerk noticed that the printout showed a significant drop on the starter section and said that the problem was the starter. I am skeptical because dome lights, radio, etc did not work when I got in the car. Also, I did not get the normal clicking that occurs when a starter is bad.
That said, my LS400 went through 2 starters and I want to find the answer. On the other hand, I could just charge the battery and forget about it. Comments or suggestions are welcome. Thank you.
Went to Autozone (only thing open at 9:00 am on a Sunday) and they put a tester on it. Battery, alternator and starter all checked out fine. Clerk noticed that the printout showed a significant drop on the starter section and said that the problem was the starter. I am skeptical because dome lights, radio, etc did not work when I got in the car. Also, I did not get the normal clicking that occurs when a starter is bad.
That said, my LS400 went through 2 starters and I want to find the answer. On the other hand, I could just charge the battery and forget about it. Comments or suggestions are welcome. Thank you.
#4
Put very little confidence into what the autostore workers tell you. You can use them for advice but take it for what it is worth. I think you found your issue...a light being left on for 8 hrs. Just drive enough to charge the battery(maybe 1/2 hr or so) and rest easy. This kind of thing happens all of the time.
The load tester printout probably showed a significant drop upon starter engagement because the dang battery was not fully charged. Thats all.
The load tester printout probably showed a significant drop upon starter engagement because the dang battery was not fully charged. Thats all.
#5
Moderator
Not a lot of failed LS430 starters reported on this forum over the years....maybe 1 or 2 at the most. Starter is likely OK.
#6
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I hope you are right, I could do without replacing the starter. Battery is just under a year old, Interstate Mega-Tron Plus (800 CCA). I just put the C-tek charger on it. I will charge it and drive around for a week or so with the jump box in the trunk. I will try to stop by the shop where the battery was purchased and have them check it out.
#7
Pole Position
My 05 430 needed a battery about 2 years ago. I also went to AutoZone. Great company. Then in September of this year, the battery went dead. Took it back and after all tests, they said I probably had gotten a bad battery. they popped in a new one for free and off I went. Hope yours is the same issue. good luck.
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#8
If the battery has some age on it, I would agree, start there. Plus if you are in a cold area, cold will take a toll on a borderline battery pretty quick.
However, don't forget to rule out dirty or loose battery terminals. I had an issue the other day that was a dirty terminal that looked clean on the outside.
However, don't forget to rule out dirty or loose battery terminals. I had an issue the other day that was a dirty terminal that looked clean on the outside.
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