Saturday nite, my wife went to start our 2002 Rx300 and all she heard was that clicking sound. She decided it was the battery. The lights worked, so like a big man on campus, I said it was the starter. Next morning, took out the battery, the air filter black box and starter. Took old starter to Auto Zone and purchased a new one (they said core was good and it seemed to be in working order). Replaced the starter and still had clicking sound. Went back to AZ with battery and they said it was bad. Bought new battery, installed and car started. Drove it around the block and parked back in garage, feeling reasonably good about my foray into car repair (aside from my wife's proper first diagnosis). I left this morning for an overnight to see customers. My wife called a few hours ago saying the car isn't starting. She says it tries to turn over, but won't. Obviously, need some help! What should I look at to troubleshoot? Can't understand why it would work last night but not this morning? Bought an $85 top of the line AZ battery. Could it be bad? Appreciate some assistance!
Thanks-
David

 

Try giving a jump start [just make sure the + to + and - to -].

This typically eliminates the starter and confirms weak battery.

Battery may need a charge. The new batteries are supposed to charged and rotated in the shop.

If it fails to start with a jump, then checked the connections at the starter ... just in case the wires were not secured tight.

Salim

 

What type of clicking sound ?
Fast continuos clicking while starting indicates a discharged battery.
One single click every time you turn the key is usually a bad starter (solenoid), loose cable end, loose ground etc...

Double check your work you might missed something loose during install.

 

Thanks for your replies. Update: Tried to start the car yesterday when I got home. It tried to start, but just wouldn't turn over. No clicking sound, just an engine that tried, but wouldn't turn. I checked the two electrical connections at the top of the air filter and they were connected. The small hose the size of your finger was also connected. Only other connections I had taken off during starter replacement were the two electrical ones at the starter. Could only check one without removing battery and air filter housing and it was also connected. Jumped the car, and it started. The engine didn't turn over right away, but after pushing the accelerator it finally started. Sputtered for a minute or so and had to keep foot on the gas, but it started. Let it run for 10 minutes, then took it to Auto Zone to check the battery. Employee checked the battery and it was fully charged. He also said the alternator was fine. His thought was that the battery drained overnight due to some short in the engine wiring. My wife drove the car yesterday afternoon and with only a half hour between starts during her errands, it started with no problem or hesitation.
This morning, after sitting all night, the car would not turn over and it sounded like the battery was drained again. Will probably call Lexus today and take it over there to find the problem and fix it.

 

Could be the ground wire under the air box. There is a ground to the chassis just under the battery area. maybe it is corroaded....Trace the ground wire from the battery downward and look for all connections.