TCAL

My wife had told me that sometimes she could not get the RX to start. If she waited a few minutes, the RX would then start. This has happened intermittently (to her only) so I had the battery checked. Battery checked fine (12.5 - 12.6V and 754 CCA). I then went to AutoZone and had them check the alternator. The guy said it showed bad diodes in the alternator. I also have a sound similar to what a low power steering fluid level would sound like on another car (never experienced on the RX). Cold all of this be related? I have been reading the threads about the Alternator/AC compressor belt, but I am not seeing anything that may relate/describe a similar noise issue. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

99RX300
230,000 miles (still strong)

salimshah

Please read the sticky thread Having problems start here thread. I have tried to cover almost all scenarios. Please report back with the scenario that is closest to your situation.

Bad alternator can lead to a uncharged battery and an uncharged battery typically does not revive itself. As the battery gets discharged, you will get slower spin out of the starter.

I would replace the alternator if you see the red discharge light in the cluster (easier to spot during night and low illumination), or your battery keeps draining out and needing a charge cycle.

Before we go further down the rabbit hole of bad alternator, please check the starter and specially the solenoid contacts.

Salim

lexina

Like said above, the symptom could be starter solenoid contacts, and if you are mechanical incline, it is not too hard to replace the starter solenoid contacts.

Once you have the car started, measure the alternator voltage, so you can narrow down the issue.

If it was alternator not providing enough charge to the battery, then you wouldn't be able to start it a few minutes later without additional charging. If it was bad battery itself, then no way you can start it a few minutes later neither. But, that is just my hypothesis.