Ok i feel so dumb, and am upset. I got my first car a SC300 94' and i was changing the headlight bulbs, tested them and they work fine, unplug the running lights in the headlights and then try and start the car, all i hear is a click and it doesnt even try to turn over......... :*( I dont know what to do, my dad knows nothing of cars, and i belive that i shorted somthing out? or blew a fuse? the lights and power all work though.. Help would really be apprecated I hope this is somthing stupid and an easy fix.. Thanks so much guys! Jeff

 

By just unpluging your lights nothing should of shorted out, If you have a volt meter take a reading from your battery terminals and make sure the battery is fully charge also check your battery terminals for any loose connections these would be your first steps if all is well then continue to check all leads to starter and your ground try this first.

 

Hi Jeff. sound like you simply ran out of battery juice. The doors have lights in them, then the dome light. if you had the doors open and the hood up any of the pinswitches would have kept constant battery power going in the car. If you have a voltmeter you can touch it to the battery and you should see at least 12.6 volts. that will confirm the battery is dead if you see less.

the fact you are getting a click says the ignition is turning on, i think you are just out of juice.

 

that happened to me last month, I could only hear the click sound. after I replaced the battery, everything works fine. the voltage was like 10.6v

 

Thanks for your help so far, could it be one of the lights connectors hit the metal on the car? and shorted somthing? Im out of town till sunday. So i cant test the battery yet, any other recomendations are really apprecated, Club lexus is awsome..!

 

If not the battery its the MAIN fuse. I had this problem a while ago and I thought my alternator died or needed a new battery. I tried to jump it but while I was jumping it I remembered that al power was fine because all the stuff was working fine like the headlights, radio, etc. As it turns out the main fuse blew and that was causing the car to work fine but when trying to crank it it just wouldnt turn over. So I would hear the car click but thats all. Check the fuse before you buy anything.

 

what does the main fuse look like is it a larger fuse in the box under the hood? Thanks guys

 

I dont remember where I got this diagram but very useful if you dont have repair manuals.

There're 2 fuse boxes, one under the hood, and one near driver's left leg.
This diagram is for the one under the hood.
If the MAIN fuse causes your problem like jimmit said, I think it's "60A MAIN" on the bottom of the diagram. but you should check other fuses as well. maybe loose battery connection?

 

Thanks for the diagram, will check all of this when i get home on sunday, i honestly dont belive a lose battery because i havent touched, it and i drove the car in my garage fine...

 

Ok checked batttery its under current 12.35v , later on turned car on pressed in the brake and took and put it into neutral because its in my garage, and jumper cables wont fit. Put it back into park and took my moms car to buy some jumper cables. i get home and now i cant even turn my key? its like the key doesnt work now? WTF? im so angry and i want to get this fixed so i can get to school tomarrow! Please help i really apprecate it!

 

put your key in and turn your steering wheel it will move a little to the left or right then your key will turn the ignition on your just in the locked postion at this time it's a theft deterient system most cars have these now adays

slow down and don't get so upset I would also suggest you put a battery charger on your battery but if you want to take a chance and jump start it by all means go ahead

 

Awsome i got it, i unplugged the battery for an hour and i could now turn the key, rolled it out of the garage in neutral, and then jumped it and shes back alive and running

Thank you Club Lexus!

 

you didn't need to unplug the batt for you to turn the key. next time move the steering wheel left and right and it should unlock and let u turn the key like dartdoc said. i don't understand how the jumper cable doesn't fit... i never heard or seen that problem before. well at least u got your car working again =).

 

Glad to see you was able to take it to school and everthing worked out

 

thanks again guys!