So yesterday I tried starting my car, this was after a very cold day and not moving my car, it made a clicking sound on three attempts. on the fourth my car started. so before driving to work I let it warm up about 10 mins. then last night and this morning my car started but started slow. I tried calling my mechanic who I couldnt get ahold of. so I just took my car to the local walmart to have battery tested. they said battery was fine but just needed a charge so it could be my starter or alternator. well I always need second opinions, so I went to autozone to have all three tested. they said my battery is bad and needs to be replaced. my battery is about 4 to 5 years old so I probably do need to replace battery but the clicking sound makes me worry about the starter. I have a 2007 IS250. any suggestions?

 

Start with the battery. The clicking may be due to that

 

Yeah I think that's the best way to start...not to mention cheaper.

 

Sounds like a weak battery. With it being 4-5 years old, it's about time to replace it anyway.

 

Have AAA check out your battery, if it goes to 14, then starter.

 

I had the clicking noise problem too and the Lexus dealer found an issue with the cam shaft and replaced it.

 

Or just buy a cheap voltmeter and do it yourself...

Or since the battery is 4-5 years old anyways, it's not not exactly expensive preventative maintenance.

 

I think you are talking about a completely different issue.

 

How many CCAs was the current battery producing?

 

If it clicks, it is most likely the battery. If you hear a whirring but no clicks and the lights/radio/etc are perfectly fine when starting, it is most likely the starter. My buddy had this problem and it ended up being the starter but yours sounds like a battery.

 

battery is 4-5 years old, just replace it. Why do people jump to the conclusion its the starter when the chance of it being the battery is far greater...and the battery tested bad at autozone. Ive replaced tons of batteries but I've never replaced a starter.