Hello, I'm a new member of the forum. Thank you in advance for your suggestions.
I have a 2012 RX 250, 210k miles on it. was driving it for 30 minutes prior to this happening. Stopped at a store to get something and when I get back into it and press the push to start, all of the lights come on but the starter does not engage.
There was a message about the battery for the key fob being low a day or so ago. I replace the battery, no help.
The light on the push to start button turns from yellow to green when I am in the car and even when I put the fob next to the button.
The brake lights come on when I depress the pedal. I have disconnected the battery for 5 minutes to try to reset the system. No help.
Trying to diagnose before I tow it to a mechanic.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts

 

How old is your battery? Have you measured its voltage?

 

I agree, it is hopefully and likely just a worn out battery that was killed by this recent extreme cold weather. Buy a new battery before taking it to the shop.

 

Interesting point, I have not checked the battery. Will do so.
Though, it does not make sense that there would not at least be an attempt to engage the starter.
No clicking, no relay, nothing. and no dimming of the dashboard lights.
To me, it would seem those would be some of the signs that the battery is weak.
I won't be able to have the battery tested under load because of where the car is.
Thoughts on other things to look at?

 

Battery is the source but there are safety interlocks like, brake pedal switch [have some one stand behind and make sure the brake lights light up when pedal is depressed], the gear shift level needs to be in P or N. [just shove the shifter into Park], and finally the immobilizer [right key fob needs to be inside, close to the starting switch, with no interference].

So start with the easiest and most common the battery if it has not been replaced in 4+ yrs. Voltmeter can mislead as it measure voltage without load. A load testing is more conclusive.


Salim

 

good suggestions, battery is exactly 3 yrs old. I’ve check through all of them, battery is at 12.05 without things turned on, drops to 11.85 with just the dash on. Drops to 11.60 when I depress the push to start button. Will try a jumpstart before fiddling with anything else.

 

With those voltage measurements, your battery is stone dead. You can try to charge it, but I would replace it. How much of your battery warranty remains? Be sure to take advantage of it.

 

Resolved...
Thank you for the suggestions.
Towed to a mechanic and he replaced the starter and the battery.

Thanks again for your suggestions!!!!

 

why the starter?
did the shop just put a local auto part store starter?

 

good questions, I did not think to ask before authorizing the work.
the bill shows a remanufactured starter.
makes me feel taken advantage of.

 

It is very likely that all you needed was a new battery. I would battle with that "mechanic" regarding why he felt the need to replace the starter.

 

==> ...battery is at 12.05 without things turned on, drops to 11.85 with just the dash on. Drops to 11.60 when I depress the push to start button.

Not horrible, but yes, low. Will bet that the battery cables have some corrosion, and resistance there dropping voltage = No Start.

 

That battery is shot.