ShallenLX

Okay. I just inherited a 1999 Lexus LS400 from my grandparents. The thing is in mint condition, loaded with all of the amenities and only has 72,000 miles.

Now, the car is giving me difficulties with electrical components and idling. The new battery won't retain a charge for more than a few hours before going dead again. When I attempted to jump-start it this morning, there was no transfer of power. Not even the instrument panel showed a sign of life.

Have any of the other members on this board experienced similar problems with their UCF21? I'm dying to get this thing on the road...

avalon42

iTrader: (1)

Have you had the alternator tested? See how much amps are being put out?

Nice car btw...

ShallenLX

Thanks man. The car is way overdue for an inspection, the previous owners rarely took it to the dealership (or even to jiffy lube for an oil change.) After we get the new VA plates on it, I'm going to take it to get all fluids/brakes/tires/alignment/alternator thoroughly checked. I hope the problem is that simple

avalon42

iTrader: (1)

If you have any Autozones in your area, you can bring the battery for them to fully charge it again. Then go back there and have them test the system.

That's what they did for my 92.

Can't believe that a 99 has a bad alternator already at 72K miles but who knows...

...good luck.

ewenpg

It definitely sounds like an alternator problem. When an alternator dies the car uses the battery to get its power and this kills the battery quickly. You can go to any autozone, pepboys or big automotive place and they can check the alternators output, usually for free. Bad alternators are actually quite common but random. I had a brand new alternator die on me only 6 months in. Replaced it, no problems since. Good luck!!
Ewen
Oh and the car looks nice!!!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

what makes u all so sure the battery itself isnt toasted?

72k means battery is likely original. also, check the wiring to the battery, ground wire may be loose.

heres a checklist (not prioritized):
1-change rear diff fluid and engine oil/filter
2-flush trans. fluid (use Toyota T-iv fluid only), brake fluid, coolant, and Power Steering (use Dexron/mercon atf for this)
3-wash car
4-detail freshly washed car
5-begin modding.

avalon42

iTrader: (1)

He said he just bought a brand new battery...or is this crack better than I think it is?

ShallenLX

lolz, yeah the battery is brand spankin' new, so that's definitely not the troublemaker. I detailed it about a month ago, but cars in NOVA gather pollen oh so quickly

I'm really looking forward to mods for this thing. Once I scrape up enough dough from detailing the neighborhood cars, I'll be looking into suspension (preferably AirRunner) and a set of wheels. The end result should be a nicely modded EXE Celsior

ewenpg

The only reason I suggest the alternator over the battery is that if there is NO charge AT ALL which is strage as most batteries even when almost dead retain a small charge if left for awhile. And the fact that he said that it was a new battery.
Ewen

avalon42

iTrader: (1)

Well, one more dumb question...didn't you notice any dash lights on when you had the new battery installed in the unit? Like I said, bring the battery and get it fully recharged at one of those auto places, put it back in, start the car and watch for dash lights when you drive it back to the place to get the alternator tested.

I hear you on the detailing man. I just cut and buffed my 92LS a couple of months ago, and just a couple of days ago I notice a long scrape on the left side of my door that goes across the front fender and two of the door panels. ARGH.

ShallenLX

I didn't even get a "door ajar" light when I had the cables connected to eachother. I've got a feeling that I'm gonna find out some bad news about this car once I get it diagnosed. My old man said that we could get it into the shop for inspection in a few weeks, but I need **** done sooner than that.

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

Check to see if your trunk light is fully turning off when closed.