jetcobra

I just drove my wife's 2005 RX330 with 32K miles on it. It is a great car, but I noticed while driving it for the last two days that each time I started it there was that "chugging" sound 3-4 times and then it would start. So I checked the battery voltage with the engine off (it is 12.7V). I also checked the voltage withe car idling (it is 15.5V). Neither of these indicate a battery or alternator problem. I also started it with the lights turned on and the same things occurred and the headlights dimmed but the car still started. I went to Autozone and had them test it and their test was battery=good and alterenator=failed. I am now really confused. My car is a 2004 RX330 and I know how it should sound when starting so there is some issue I'm just not sure what it is. Any thoughts??

bgalarpe

15.5V on idle...your alternator is overcharging.

ukrkoz

I'd suggest to elaborate on "chugging". Are you saying it cranks too long before start? Or, starter pitch changes 3-4 times while cranking? My 2015 NX takes about 2 seconds of starter work before engine starts, nice even crank. Chuggu-chuggu-chuggu-chuggu usually points to low power supply to starter, corroded contacts/high resistance resulting in low power supply. How are battery cable terminals? Nice and clean, lubricated? Firm in place? Next is to check on starter contacts.

jetcobra

Thanks for the inputs. I decided to just replace the battery - turns out it was 5.5 yrs. old, and now the car starts just fine.

ukrkoz

There you go. Low power supply to starter. Make sure to
1. lubricate both battery poles and cable terminals with dielectric grease
2. set cable terminal all the way down to the battery lid.
3. Spray over with battery sealant.
Age is not indicative of how long battery will last.