oxonian

Hi friends,

I hope everyone is doing well. I have a 2002 RX 300 with around 145,000 miles on it.

It has a Duralast Gold battery that was installed in 11/10, so it is about 5 years old. It was installed by the previous owner, but I assume it has operated for about 40,000 miles or so.

Earlier today, the car was not starting, and made a sort of machine gun noise when I tried to start it. I also noticed the lights on the dashboard dimming a bit. I tried again and pressed the accelerator gently, and managed to get the ignition running. I then drove it home for about 45 miles.

I noticed that the clock in the car had changed to 1am.

When I came home I turned off the car and tried to restart it, and at first I heard the sound again. Then, it seems to turn on quicker, but still seems to take longer than usual.

The window and radio works fine, even when the car was not running.

I have read this may be a weakening battery, do you think this is the case? Or could it be something else?

I am not getting any alert lights on the dashboard.

Any thoughts please?

Thanks,
Oxonian

carguy07

No doubt your battery is discharged. 5 years is about the lifespan of the average battery. So you are pretty much due for a new one even if there was different charging system issue. So I would pop in a new battery and see what happens. Probably 90% chance that is the only issue. If it's something else...you bought your replacement battery a day to a year too early.

oxonian

thank you carguy07.

Is there some way I can test the charging system?

I have been told that auto parts stores do it, is that the best way to have it tested?

Thanks,
Oxonian

carguy07

Yes, many parts stores can test it. But it's not fool proof by any means. If you want to run a test, I would charge the battery full with a charger and have it tested at a parts store.

AnthonyMtz

I would go get a Napa battery, those battery's are know as (Duracrap) had one and mine and had nothing but issue's, then they don't even honor their warranty... but autozone can check it for you but there parts are not the best.

salimshah

RX like many other vehicles has a red lamp in the dash that comes on when the battery is not being charged, with the key in the run position.

Auto stores even accept your battery and try to charge it for you if you request. If there is warranty issue, then the manufacturer require them to attempt to charge.

Your symptoms all point to weak battery and just as carguy07 stated ... 5years is the life span of batteries.

Salim

oxonian

Thank you for the replies friends, I appreciate them.

Does anyone recommend any brand for the battery?

Costco has an interstate battery for 77.99 plus fees and taxes. It is a size 23, but they do not install it.

Alternatively, there is an Energizer brand at Sams Club for approx $99 (not sure if that includes taxes etc.)

Do you know if this battery size will fit? Is the battery installation a simple DIY (I am an amateur at auto mechanics )

I live in Houston, TX, and use the car for a daily commute, no towing etc.

I am grateful for your help.
Oxonian

salimshah

It is a fairly simple thing to do, but one has to be aware which is + and - and the new battery must have terminals in the right corner.

Then there are fitment issues, like hold down (to secure the battery in the engine compartment).

Then you have to potentially reset the pinch protection on each window + sun-roof. Then there is the minor issue of reprogramming radio and seat.

Practically all auto-shops will replace the battery for you. Just make sure with them that they connect the +/- correctly. if done wrong, at minimum you will blow some fuses which are not easy to replace.

Salim

oxonian

Hello friends,

Thank you for your help. I took the battery in question to Sams club to have it tested, without giving them additional information on the symptoms.

They said it needed to be replaced. So, I purchased an Interstate battery at Costco and had it installed by a kind technician at Walmart. I know, three stops for a battery change!

I am wondering if there are any tips to keep the battery running well and healthy? Just drive it as normal, or should I charge it periodically, or any other tips?

Thanks,
Oxonian

carguy07

Pretty much, just keep the terminals clean and try not to let it discharge all the way down to dead (leaving the headlights on or similar) other than that, just drive it. Would only need to charge it with a charger if it sat for a long period of time.

salimshah

5 yrs in the good state of Texas is good life for a battery. Incidentally, how long a warranty did you get on the new battery?

enjoy your Rx.

Salim

oxonian

Hi Salim and others,

thank you for your help. I got an interstate battery from Costco. Costco has a 3 year full replacement warranty, so I guess it is good for replacement within 3 years or nothing.

Please let me know if I can provide more information.

Thanks!
Oxonian