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Battery dies after a 3-4 days without starting

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Old 09-07-05, 10:21 AM
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arunp1783
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Default Battery dies after a 3-4 days without starting

I travel for business once in a while, usually for as long as a week at a time. I have the biggest battery you can drop in a 400 but when I leave for my trips and come back after 3+ days my battery is dead. AAA can't figure it out and neither can the Lexus dealer.

Has anyone else ever run into this problem if so how do you fix it?
Old 09-07-05, 10:48 AM
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mkorsu
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Originally Posted by arunp1783
I travel for business once in a while, usually for as long as a week at a time. I have the biggest battery you can drop in a 400 but when I leave for my trips and come back after 3+ days my battery is dead. AAA can't figure it out and neither can the Lexus dealer.

Has anyone else ever run into this problem if so how do you fix it?

Me again!!!!


Yes, had the same problem and mine was a very slightly loose battery clamp. By not having a good connection I was experiencing a trickle-down scenario. The battery would slowly discharge. Try cleaning your terminals with a wire brush. Then make sure the clamps are fully seated on the posts and are tightened well. Let me know if that was it.
Old 09-07-05, 10:51 AM
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arunp1783
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Default I'll give that a try

thanks - i'm glad someone out there has run into the same issue. I'd feel really silly if it was just me
Old 09-07-05, 10:52 AM
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Cloud9
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how about disconnecting the battery before you leave?

you should definately clean the terminals and clamp like mkorsu said.
Old 09-07-05, 10:55 AM
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mkorsu
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Originally Posted by Cloud9
how about disconnecting the battery before you leave?

you should definately clean the terminals and clamp like mkorsu said.

Disconnecting should prevent a discharging scenario. If you don't have the problem solved before your next trip, I would do this as a precaution.
Old 09-07-05, 11:06 AM
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O. L. T.
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Originally Posted by mkorsu
Disconnecting should prevent a discharging scenario. If you don't have the problem solved before your next trip, I would do this as a precaution.
bank on some very poor performance and gas mileage Everytime you reset the computer it has to relearn everything and those two suffer the most.
Old 09-07-05, 11:14 AM
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arunp1783
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Default good to know

how long does the "poor performance" last?
Old 09-07-05, 11:39 AM
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PERRYinLA
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I recall reading some threads on this forum a few years back that encouraged the resetting of the computer from time to time for performance reasons.
Old 09-07-05, 02:59 PM
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O. L. T.
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Originally Posted by PERRYinLA
I recall reading some threads on this forum a few years back that encouraged the resetting of the computer from time to time for performance reasons.
Yeah, after it learns your driving style you are good to go. I believe it is 5 to 8 drives.
Old 09-07-05, 03:43 PM
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silversprucesc3
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I had the same problem until I turned off the remote switch for the locks and the auto steering wheel button... works fine now... I believe the remote door lock drains the battery waiting for a signal when activated..
Old 09-07-05, 06:09 PM
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np20412
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I had the same problem as well, turns out I had current being drained from the SubWoofer/third brake light wiring. It was not done correctly I suppose, but I guess that doesnt help you too much
Old 09-07-05, 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by silversprucesc3
I had the same problem until I turned off the remote switch for the locks and the auto steering wheel button... works fine now... I believe the remote door lock drains the battery waiting for a signal when activated..

WHOA! WAIT! I just had a brain fart. I remember in my SC manual it says leaving the headlight switch in the on position for longer than 48 hours will kill the battery.

Are you turning the headlights off manually, or letting them auto off when you remove the key?
Old 09-07-05, 07:46 PM
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Tammy
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Friends that have classic 12V autos use the "Battery Tender-Plus" battery charger...a 1.25 Amp charger that fully charges and maintains the battery without over charging. I can swear by mine, available at Pep Boys.
Old 09-07-05, 08:42 PM
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arunp1783
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Originally Posted by silversprucesc3
I had the same problem until I turned off the remote switch for the locks and the auto steering wheel button... works fine now... I believe the remote door lock drains the battery waiting for a signal when activated..
so how do you turn off the remote switch?
Old 09-07-05, 08:44 PM
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arunp1783
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Originally Posted by O. L. T.
WHOA! WAIT! I just had a brain fart. I remember in my SC manual it says leaving the headlight switch in the on position for longer than 48 hours will kill the battery.

Are you turning the headlights off manually, or letting them auto off when you remove the key?
I let the headlights auto off when I turn off the ignition


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