Looking for a ls460 but concerned

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Mar 10, 2018 | 04:52 AM

lexman52

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 379

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From: Florida

Looking for a ls460 but concerned

I am looking to buy a 460. Looking at the Carfax on some of these cars a see a fair amount of them have had repeated service of BATTERY SYSTEM CHECKED. Does this mean there is an ELECTRICAL problem on some of these cars.

Last edited by lexman52; Mar 10, 2018 at 06:15 AM.

Mar 10, 2018 | 07:29 AM

TexasTea

Driver

Joined: Feb 2018

Posts: 51

Likes: 14

From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexman52

It is likely because there is so much electrical equipment relying upon the battery to operate.

I just looked at the service history on my 2012 LS460L and noticed within a month and 200 miles of a battery test pass, the battery failed.

30679 MILES, DATE: 06/17/2015
SERVICE: 30000 MILE SERVICE-SYNTHETIC OIL VEHICLE
BATTERY PASSED AMP/VOLT TEST.

30872 MILES, DATE: 07/16/2015
SERVICE: LEXUS EMERGENCY ROADSIDE VEHICLE DISPATCHED.
DESCRIPTION: LEXUS EMERGENCY ROADSIDE VEHICLE DISPATCHED. ~ ~SEE NOTES ~ ~ CAR WOULD NOT START.

SERVICE: BATTERY
DESCRIPTION: BATTERY ~ ~C/S CAR WILL NOT START ~ ~SEE NOTES ~ ~ PERFORED BATTERY FAILED, REPLACED BATTERY. ORIGINAL PANASONIC BATTERY. WARRANTY

Mar 10, 2018 | 08:04 AM

Shad034

Driver

Joined: Dec 2017

Posts: 168

Likes: 37

From: NV

It most cases, the dealer will test the battery any time it is in for maintenance. That's probably what you are seeing and I would consider it totally normal. Just part of the usual preventative maintenance where they look at the tire tread and brakes remaining, fluid levels kinda stuff.

Mar 10, 2018 | 08:21 AM

jmcraney

CL Community Team

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 2,222

Likes: 310

From: TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexman52

The LS460s are very reliable as to electrical system problems. Batteries have a life of their own. It is very likely that the premature battery failures that occur in these cars is the result of defective doorjamb switches, which cause the headlights to remain on after the ignition is turned off.

The defective doorjamb switches are the prime causes of mysterious battery discharges. Testing the switches is very easy and replacement is inexpensive and a DIY project for many. Replacement parts are readily available through Lexus and Toyota dealers.

Here are some links to a few of the threads where the doorjamb switch problem has been discussed.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...tery-fail.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...xperience.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...s-stay-on.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...w-battery.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-switches.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...l-problem.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...lacements.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...mb-switch.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-turn-off.html

Mar 10, 2018 | 10:15 AM

roadfrog

Lexus Fanatic

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 5,371

Likes: 526

From: BC Canada

You will not find many electrical issues in an LS. Batteries eventually fail. The original Panny in my LS lasted 6 years and the current AC Delco I have now is going on 4 years. No electrical issues, and the car has never left me stranded.

Mar 10, 2018 | 11:12 AM

UDel

Lexus Fanatic

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 12,269

Likes: 296

From: ------

They do check the battery every time it is serviced but batteries are also known to be more of a issue with these cars.

Mar 10, 2018 | 11:52 AM

JetCat

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Feb 2018

Posts: 27

Likes: 5

From: CA

After making the discovery of what the CTEK digital chargers are ... I often will do a minor "charging tune-up" on my LS since I do not drive it too often ... it is frequently sitting and locked, thus the theft deterrent system is drawing something from the battery all the time. The CTEK's come with many different adapters, one of which is for trickle charging .... you install that particular cable on to your battery posts and it enables you to do a very fast quick-connect with your charger. Nice thing is, when using one of these chargers, you do not have to worry about over-charging your battery ...... the model I use is a CTEK 7002 ..... since I have many cars, I have found this little device to be a life saver for me ..... it is pretty cool : )

Mar 10, 2018 | 04:45 PM

Nospinzone

CL Community Team

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,265

Likes: 482

From: MA

I took delivery of my new LS in July, 2007. I replaced the battery in May, 2017. It was still cranking fine, but I just figured why press my luck. When I was younger I would have pushed it to the brink.......I'm getting cautious in my old age!