1996 Lexus ES 300 Logo
Posted on Aug 08, 2009
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My lexus ES 300 (97) wont start. When I tried to start it, everything just went dead. the battery seemed drained somehow. I tried to jump start it, but then it starts clicking continuously and refuses to start. It doesn't crank. I am thinking of changing the battery, but is that a good move? What if it drains yet again? What is the problem? Please help.

  • shahan911 Aug 09, 2009

    I got a new Battery and when I tried to start my car, it still wouldn't start. everything just dies when I try to start the car. nothing happens. There was just a spark in the battery poles and thats it. nothing afterwards. Please advice.

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Anonymous

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  • Posted on Aug 08, 2009
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Your battery is dead!! Even if jumped, if the battery is dead celled it will not have sufficient power to crank. Dead celled batteries will hold a charge momentarily then slowly die again. I recommend temporarily swapping a battery from another vehicle to try and start your ES300. This is to make sure it isnt the starter or alternator thats the problem. To test the alternator, use a voltmeter at the battery terminals (w/car started and running) to check voltage should be (13.5-14.5 volts). If you do not have a voltmeter,(old school way) simply start the car, while engine running pull the positive terminal off the battery(make sure NOT to ground the positive terminal). If the vehicle dies, possible alternator or alt circuit failure. Bring it to autozone or advance auto to test for free. Hopefully this helps...please rate...thanks

  • Anonymous Aug 09, 2009

    Check your battery voltage must be over 12volts (engine off) over 13Volts(engine running) It may need to be charged(charge if needed). Make sure the terminals are clean and tight. If that checks out ok, check your engine oil level, and if the engine can rotated with a breaker bar/large wrench at the crank pully(if it may not, you may have a seized engine). If that checks out ok, check the starter for proper voltage at its power terminals while key is turned to start. If this checks out ok, It may be the starter(have it checked at advance auto or autozone its free). If all checks out ok, you may need advance diagnosis, which I recommend havin a mechanic look at it. Hopefully this helps!!

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  • Posted on Aug 08, 2009
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Unfortunately, with a dead battery you can't diagnose where the power drain is, it could be a door switch leaving the interior lights on, or a short circuit somewhere. Before purchasing a new battery, you could put a charge on the existing battery to get the car started. Also check for corrosion around the battery cables and posts. This would prevent you from jump starting your car. Once started, you can check things like the alternator for problems.

  • Anonymous Aug 10, 2009

    if a new battery won't even crank the car, there's a contact or corrosion issue going on somewhere. The cables may be loose or there may be a bad contact at the other end on the solenoid of the starter.

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  • Posted on Aug 08, 2009
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Clean the battery and terminal connections with a special wire brush tool from an auto supply store. Also, buy a small quantity of anti-corrosion grease to apply over both battery posts and inside both connectors. Wash your hands immediately after this operation and don't touch your clothes or you will have mysterious holes appear in them. Turn on the head lights. You need a voltmeter to first read the voltage directly at the battery posts, then at the battery terminals, then from engine non-painted metal to the other end of the red cable that comes from the +/positive battery connection. If the first operation fails (zero or less than 12 volts), then you must charge the battery (overnight if you use a small charger). Turn off the lights until you are ready to begin testing again. If the problem seems to be that the battery is not being charged properly, then test the battery voltage with the engine running at moderate speed (should be at least 14 to 16 volts). If it reads 12.6 volts, then the alternator must be investigated. Most auto parts stores will test the alternator for free as they are hoping you will buy any needed replacement from them. They will also test for a bad battery if you ask them. Hope this long winded advice is of help.

  • Anonymous Aug 09, 2009

    Sounds like the new battery wasn't charged either when you bought it. It must be charged overnight at 4 to 8 amps with a small charger--shorter times with larger chargers (more amps). Don't try to do anything else until it is charged. Don't try the above suggestion to pull the positive cable while the engine is running! That's a good way to blow the computer or other voltage sensitive components. Use a voltmeter--a small digital unit can be had for around $10 if you look for it. Follow my previous suggestions for tracking down further problems if any.

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