I have a 2001 Lexus RX300 that I can't start after 1.5 months of not driving. Before that, I only drove it ~4 miles each time every 2 weeks or so. When I tried to drive this time, the dashboard was black with no electricity. My battery is only 2 years old. I tried to charge the battery with a charger (connected to the wall outlet for electricity) I had success with the car before. This time it was a little different when it was connected, the security light was blinking and there was a continuous clicking noise coming from under the hood. If I inserted the key and put it in to drive position, the light and noise went away. I let it charge for 8 hours, but I still couldn't start the car. the dashboard light was dime and was on for a brief second and it went back to dark. I then tried to jump start with another car. The dashboard had all lights on when the key was inserted. When turning the key to start the car, everything turned black again right away and there was no whirring sound.
What could be the problem? starter? battery?

Thanks for the help.

wfz

 

Do you have a way to check battery voltage?
Do you have any roadside assistance through insurance or club?
Can you remove the battery and take it to a car parts store? They can test it for you for free and sell you a new one if needed.

A weak battery can be revived but if there is a shorted cell or cells then you must get a new battery.

It seems like a battery problem but there is a possibility of things gone down hill if the charge or boost was done with reversed polarity. Hopefully no mistakes were made and the battery is too far gone.

Salim

PS: Substantial energy is drawn from the battery on every start. Charging is done by the alternator when the engine is running. Engine running to cover 4 miles is too short a time to make up for the drain during start. I estimate about 20mins of engine rub time to recover.

 

Did you accidently brake off the gear selector cable. It will feel a bit too easy to use selector and the plastic parts shattered you can hold in place with a cable tie and a tight grommet over end of pin. I ended up solving mine but have also the spare part in case failed. The part number 1614190125311

 

To update my battery/starting problem for someone who may be in a similar situation. It turns out my battery type is AGM which will not be able to charge if it's totally drained. I googled and found videos on reviving the AGM battery by connecting the charger to a working battery and then the working battery to the AGM one. After charging for more than 12 hours, I charged directly on the dead battery and it took the charge and eventually, the charging light turned into a fully charged green light. I don't know how much can it take (may be partially damaged) now, but I charge it once every week. At least it's drivable.

thanks to everyone who helped.

 

In the future, if you're going to let your vehicle sit for a long time, buy a trickle charger that will maintain a full charge in your battery at all times. These things have security systems and they will drain your battery down completely if allowed to sit for a long time without starting or charging.