ajlexusfan

For the last week, my 2015 RX450h has been experiencing issues with starting. Whenever the power button is pressed, all of the lights on the dash appear along with a message that reads "BSM Not Available". If I let go of the brake pedal, the ambient pedestrian alert noise starts playing on the outside. At times, the vehicle does start up, and the traction battery level is indicated as charged. I presumed that the issue was caused by a discharged 12v battery, so in order to test that theory, I turned on my hazard lights while the interior dome light was on, and noticed that it dimmed every time the flashers were on. I understand that the 12v battery is not responsible for turning motor generator 1(acts as a starter/alternator), which is what concerns me even more. Please help. The link to my video:

Clutchless

Buy a new 12 volt battery. You probably have the original one. They wear out, voltage drops, this triggers lots of warning lights. Your self test does not prove anything. Take it to Autozone or Advance Auto etc and they provide free battery testing. Or just get one. Costco has them for the RX350, but I do not know if the hybrid takes the same 12 volt battery.

ajlexusfan

Okay, I'll test the battery voltage.

Droid13

Its odd that you get BSM and the electric drive noise if you're just sitting there in P. I would wonder if your shift lever is not fully in the P position. I'd try running the shift level down and back up to P to see if that makes a difference. It is possible low voltage from 12V battery would cause odd behavior, but the RXh requires very little power to get going, so if you are getting dash lights and stuff that should normally be enough to power up the computer. Most people I've heard that couldn't start their RXh because of 12V issues, the 12V battery was completely dead, nothing.

And the RXh does not use the same battery as the RX.

ajlexusfan

I've never considered the shift lever position. I will try that and see if it makes a difference.
Edit: Shift lever position was not the culprit. Link:

mundster

Ajlexusfan - what was the solution?

I have a 2011 Lexus GS450H and it is giving me the shift into p for starting message.

Trying to get this thing running after an engine swap.

Thanks

hybridz

Hey guys, I know this is late but the issue ended up being a weak 12V battery like others have mentioned. It seems mine was weak enough to not power the relay for the main hybrid battery, causing it to not be "ready". The 12V battery is located in the trunk and was replaced at the dealership (I believe it was an AGM battery, not regular 12V). If you need to temporarily jump-start the vehicle, there is a positive terminal post located in the fuse box. Hope this helps anyone else having the same issue!

Pierregirard

From what I've seen, a weak 12v battery can cause weird electrical issues and might not give enough power to the car's systems. This can lead to different error messages and problems with starting the car.