Dead Battery
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 396
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Dead Battery
A little story about the electronics on our RX 350 and running down the battery.
A couple weeks ago when my wife and I picked up our new Black RX 350, the salesman was
demonstrating and showing us the features on the new Lexus while the ignition was on but engine was off.
It had 10 total miles on the O/D so even from the factory, it couldn't have driven that far to charge the battery.
Well, when we were ready to leave, I started the new RX and heard nothing but clicking, yep, dead battery.
It was a little embarrassing for our salesman, and he insured us this happens often when their not driven enough to charge the system.
A couple weeks ago when my wife and I picked up our new Black RX 350, the salesman was
demonstrating and showing us the features on the new Lexus while the ignition was on but engine was off.
It had 10 total miles on the O/D so even from the factory, it couldn't have driven that far to charge the battery.
Well, when we were ready to leave, I started the new RX and heard nothing but clicking, yep, dead battery.
It was a little embarrassing for our salesman, and he insured us this happens often when their not driven enough to charge the system.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,102
Likes: 8
From: Hill Country, TX
Because of all the electronic systems on cars nowadays there is a parasitic drain on the battery while the vehicle is sitting. And with getting cars on and off the carrier, jockeying cars around the dealers lot, dealer prep, etc you can very well wind up with a flat battery after a few months. This should be caught in preparation but my experience is they don't check the batteries before delivery.
My IS 350 may sit for a week or two at a time if I'm travelling so I bought a Battery Tender for about $45 and with the quick connect pigtail lead I just plug it in and forget it. The battery is now six years old and shows no sign of distress or failing.
My IS 350 may sit for a week or two at a time if I'm travelling so I bought a Battery Tender for about $45 and with the quick connect pigtail lead I just plug it in and forget it. The battery is now six years old and shows no sign of distress or failing.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 811
Likes: 8
From: CA
My battery died after a few months and needed to be replaced. The cars can get zero use for months before they are sold and this will kill the battery eventually. Mine was replaced under warranty. In the 450h, the battery is tiny and in the trunk.
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
Likes: 177
From: NJ
The manual recommends running the 450h for at least 30 minutes every few months to avoid hybrid battery discharge. So it's not just the 12 volt to worry about. Fortunately the batteries are covered under a liberal warranty. Easy fix.
Driver
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 1
From: BC
A little story about the electronics on our RX 350 and running down the battery.
A couple weeks ago when my wife and I picked up our new Black RX 350, the salesman was
demonstrating and showing us the features on the new Lexus while the ignition was on but engine was off.
It had 10 total miles on the O/D so even from the factory, it couldn't have driven that far to charge the battery.
Well, when we were ready to leave, I started the new RX and heard nothing but clicking, yep, dead battery.
It was a little embarrassing for our salesman, and he insured us this happens often when their not driven enough to charge the system.
A couple weeks ago when my wife and I picked up our new Black RX 350, the salesman was
demonstrating and showing us the features on the new Lexus while the ignition was on but engine was off.
It had 10 total miles on the O/D so even from the factory, it couldn't have driven that far to charge the battery.
Well, when we were ready to leave, I started the new RX and heard nothing but clicking, yep, dead battery.
It was a little embarrassing for our salesman, and he insured us this happens often when their not driven enough to charge the system.
I have had the same dead battery problem on the day taking my delivery. Luckily my salesman was able to bring a loaner to my home right away and jumped the RX for me. He then took it back to the dealer and get them fully charged the battery.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 396
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
The dealer is aprox. 60 miles from my house so after we got it started and I drove home,
the battery was fully charged.
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