I tried posting on a few other forums, but never got an answer, or a worthwhile answer for that matter. So, i came here, and noticed it is muuuuch more active, so hopefully someone can help. (new to CL).

I do not know what happened at all, but i have a 1997 ES300 in excellent condition, it has only ever been owned by my mechanic, whom i bought it from. i've had it about, 2 months now, roughly and i love this car.

Two days ago, i went outside to start my car for work, and nothing. The night before, maybe, 10 hours prior, the car ran perfectly as always. The first thing i noticed, was my remote entry didn't work, i had to enter by key which never happened before. Then, upon trying to start the car; the dash, and console lights came on, low beams worked, but nothing from the engine. I had someone try and start it while i listened, and noticed that there was a clicking sound, but it was coming from near the relay fuse box and the abs motor.

At first, i just thought the battery was drained too far to turn the engine over; i had noticed the battery light would flick on and off randomly all of a sudden within the past week or so. I went out, got a new battery, and still, nothing. I cleaned the terminals, and readjusted them, checked all fluids, and still nothing. My mechanic suggested trying to tap the starter while trying to start the car, which i've done for other cars, but this did not work either.

Did my old battery possibly drain so low, that it disengaged the starter mechanism? I only ask this, because i did some research and found that when the battery is removed, the starter is disengaged. But in retrospect, the battery was never removed until i bought the new one, and neither have worked.

My mechanic said the battery was maybe only 1 1/2 to 2 years old roughly, and was never strained by extra power draw, so he felt the old battery was fine.

My only option now, is to have the car towed, and then troubleshooted, more or less, and i'd rather see if i can do something myself, rather then spend all that money.

thanks for any input.

bob.

 

Probably the starter....tapping it doesn't mean it will work fine.
Get it rebuild or get a rebuilt unit.

 

The battery light means that the Alternator is bad/going bad. If that is the case, that can kill the bettery.

But even with a dead alternator, the car should still start and run for a little bit on a fresh charged battery.

Did you try jumpstarting the car?

 

If the battery light has been coming on, you need to get the alternator tested. So buy or borrow a battery charger, and then drive it to the nearest auto part store. Most stores will check the alternator for free.