question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 5
From: ca
question
Just wondering if my alternator is bad. I replaced my battery 2 weeks ago, and installed a new starter 2 days ago. This morning the car wouldn't start. I tried to jumping it but nothing. It doesn't seem to hold a charge and the car doesn't have any power when it's trying to be jumped.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,533
Likes: 1,379
From: Austin, TX
We have too many variables:
Alternator
Battery
Starter
Wires and terminals
Alternator trouble is best indicated by the "battery" warning lamp. When you got the new battery, the store should have run a test.
Try using another battery to eliminate starter, wires and cables.
Salim
Alternator
Battery
Starter
Wires and terminals
Alternator trouble is best indicated by the "battery" warning lamp. When you got the new battery, the store should have run a test.
Try using another battery to eliminate starter, wires and cables.
Salim
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 5
From: ca
We have too many variables:
Alternator
Battery
Starter
Wires and terminals
Alternator trouble is best indicated by the "battery" warning lamp. When you got the new battery, the store should have run a test.
Try using another battery to eliminate starter, wires and cables.
Salim
Alternator
Battery
Starter
Wires and terminals
Alternator trouble is best indicated by the "battery" warning lamp. When you got the new battery, the store should have run a test.
Try using another battery to eliminate starter, wires and cables.
Salim
Driver
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 110
Likes: 5
From: fl
A small percentage of batteries suffer "infant mortality" within the first couple months of use. If you have not done so already, have the place you bought it from run a charge/load test on the battery while it is out of the vehicle or at least fully disconnected.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,397
Likes: 453
From: GA
What's the battery brand, how did you get it replaced? Did somebody do a check before just replacing the battery?
Alternator putting out 14 volts consistent?
Your battery should keep at least 13 volts. And should have enough umph to get you car turning.
Are the terminals secured and tight?
Alternator putting out 14 volts consistent?
Your battery should keep at least 13 volts. And should have enough umph to get you car turning.
Are the terminals secured and tight?
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 669
Likes: 3
From: Montreal, QC
could also be driver error, leaving a dome light on, trunk light or not closing the door completely.
or more complex, a parasitic draw. for example, one of you lock switches could be defective and is now drawing enough power all the time to kill the battery.
or more complex, a parasitic draw. for example, one of you lock switches could be defective and is now drawing enough power all the time to kill the battery.
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CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,533
Likes: 1,379
From: Austin, TX
Now when you shut it off, remove battery terminal ... to prevent draining.
The typical culprit for drainage are:
After-market accessories.
Auto features (like auto lights)
Any work done.
Salim
The typical culprit for drainage are:
After-market accessories.
Auto features (like auto lights)
Any work done.
Salim
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 5
From: ca
Only things I have done interior wise, is change my interior lights and my fog lights, but they are never on. I think it might be my car charger adapter. When I bought the Rx it never worked. The mechanic said he played with the wires and it worked for a couple of weeks and stopped working again. I believe it can be that.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 5
From: ca
Update: My mechanic believes that it is from the Body Control module there is something that is drawing 600 milli amps instead of the normal 40 milli amps. My Battery is literally drained in less than 3 hours.
He advised me to take it the a Dealership and have them check it out. That is where the car is right now. I hope it, they can find out what is draining my battery and it won't be too expensive!
He advised me to take it the a Dealership and have them check it out. That is where the car is right now. I hope it, they can find out what is draining my battery and it won't be too expensive!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 5
From: ca
Update: Wiring was all screwed up, and my door sills wouldn't turn off. To re-wire the car it is going to cost $465. I guess me purchasing a starter a week ago was pre-mature. I guess you sometimes have to pay to play in a Lexus!
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,533
Likes: 1,379
From: Austin, TX
Lexus labor rates are steep.
Salim