jennbar

I have a 2005 RX and as I was driving yesterday, the engine light came on; however nothing happened. When I drove the car again later in the day, the radio initially died, then the interior lights, and finally the navigation before the car died. Before it died I felt it "jump" a few times as if it was working properly. While this was happening every warning light flickered.

It has about 93k miles. I assume the alternator; does anyone know of any signals that would differentiate problems? AAA will come out tomorrow to tow, but I'd like to start getting quote on something. Thanks!

Rainbird

Welcome to Club Lexus. This could be any number of things. Since you had a "check engine light" your best bet is to have the trouble codes pulled from the vehicles computer. That will tell you what the problem is.

HtownBlue

You have an alternator issue it sounds like. Either that or you have a battery that has a few dead cells. Seeing that the car died while running, my guess is that your alternator was not putting out the traditional 12.5 - 14 volts it needs.

When batteries fail, it tend to be while the vehicle is NOT running and they will fail to have the juice to turn the engine over. Alternators run the vehicle after initial start up, batteries start the car (in general).

Carver

When electronics start dying look at the battery first, that's usually it. Don't try to save it or get a few more miles out of it, get a new one!

jennbar

AAA just came and it is an electrical problem that is apparently draining my battery. Off to an electrical specialist it goes!

ELITech

How did AAA determine it to be an electrical problem, just out of curiosity

HtownBlue

If your battery is more than 5 years old, that is about the time cells start to not function as efficiently and eventually die.

I would bet you have a bad alternator that has either complicated a weak battery, or killed a cell or two in your battery by fully draining it. No electrical specialist needed friend. Have a mechanic test your battery and alternator and then replace accordingly.

RuninRoach

shouldn't have fed those gremlins past their bedtime. they love chewing on cables.

jennbar

You guys were right and AAA was way wrong. I'm a 22 year old so it did not surprise me that he led me in the wrong direction... He tried to "pimp" an electrical guy he knew. Good thing I didn't take it and my alternator and battery are being replaced. Thanks!

Lolodo

That's what I like about this forum...you can get so much useful advice! BTW-welcome to CL!!