1991 Lexus LS 400 Logo
Posted on Jun 29, 2009
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A few days ago my car wouldn't start and just made a clicking sound. So I assumed it was my battery, I got a jump to get home and it took about 2 jumps and then my car died right by my house. I took the battery to Auto Zone and got a new one. I put it in my car and everything was fine. Later in the evening my car did the same exact thing. The battery is brand new so im thinking its the alternator. Its never given my any problems before, but now i cant even jump my car to go even 2 blocks before it dies. Im wondering how much a new alternator would cost for a 91 lexus ls400 and is it safe to get a rebuilt or used one to save money?

  • Anonymous Jul 23, 2013

    that what my car is doing after a jump , it will not make out of my drive way it dies brand new alternator brand new battery , the cables was hooked up wrong and now my gauges do not work , i cant see speed or how much gas is in my car , but its not running , i was told get a new starter

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  • Posted on Jul 08, 2009
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I had the exact same problem or almost 2 years. I kept buying a battery, because I thought that was the problem. I eventually took it to a mechanic and off course the car didn't act up when the mechanic had it for several days. Finally, I checked all of the fuses. It was the cigarette lighter fuse that was blowen. Since I changed that fuse, the car starts up with no problem. It's frustrating everytime you get in the car you cringe when you start it - LOL Hope this helps.

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  • Posted on Jun 29, 2009
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While your car is running, measure the voltage at your battery terminals. If the alternator is wotking, it should measure over 13 volts, since the battery is really low. On a healthy battey the voltage is around 14.5 volts when the engine is running. If the car is running and you measured 12.6 volts or less, change the alternator. I have actually worked on a lexus ls400 with exact same problem. I had rebuilt the alternator myself to save the customer on parts. Because altenator is not cheap on lexus. There is an ace hardware by my shop where they carried some carbon brush, all you got to do is file it down to fit, and solder them. Of course you have to open the alternator to do that. The brushes cost about a few bucks. You can buy these at auto parts too but not for that particular alternator. Auto parts like to make money and would rather sell you the whole thing. LOL

  • Anonymous Jul 23, 2013

    i cant start my car i have no 1 to give me a jump any more

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