So....

I have a 2008 GS 350 AWD which I just bought 3 months ago, currently 110k miles but WAS running like a dream, current on all services.

2 days ago the charge system warning light came on, didn't thing much of it thinking it was just a low battery warning light, figured to get it looked at over the coming weekend as it turned off the next day.

Last night went to get my son from work, light came on...got to his work, sat idling while I waited for him...then all the warning lights came on and steering became a b@itch to turn.

Turned off the car, turned back on...same issue. Did it again, this time all the dash lights were half off and the navi screen would not turn on. Steering not turning.

Left the car and had to be picked up by someone else.

Reading the forums, I'm leaning towards bad battery or alternator? I'm having the car towed to an import garage on Monday...its Sunday.

Opinions??

 

Sounds like an alternator to me, as that's what I experienced when mine completely failed (2007 GSAWD 130k miles). All within about 5 minutes of the warning lights coming on and luckily i had just enough charge to literally coast into the parking lot of an auto shop. When my battery was nearing its end of life, it never triggered warning lights nor the power steering.

Make sure you request a Denso alternator, its not too much more than generic. If it matters, i think i paid around $900 parts/labor for my replacement.

If you want, you can remove the battery yourself and have it tested at a auto parts store before you have it towed.

 

Thanks, did have the battery tested and its close to dead but also only a year old. Gonna charge it overnight and put it back in, should be enough to get me to the garage...assuming the snow storm doesn't stop me.

$900? Ugh...there goes my refund.