justinmartinez001

Hi all,
I recently bought a new to me 2008 Lexus RX 350 with factory GPS. I had an issue with it not starting. I unlocked the car using the "unlock feature" on the key and when I put the key in the ignition the steering wheel wouldn't move into position which I thought was odd. Then I turned the ignition on and nothing. No dome lights or dash lights. I thought I may have left my lights on and the battery was dead. So I jumped the vehicle and it started up and let it charge for a few minutes. Began to drive home and the screen would begin to power up and down a few times. When going around 15mph it drove fine and everything seemed normal. The screen powered on and the radio was working. However, at speeds above 15mph it lacked power, the screen would power cycle, and all the warning lights on the dash came on. But at a stop or lower speeds it would go back to “normal”. Once I got home I turned off the car and tried to restart it, but the same thing it had now power. I checked the battery and it has 12.4v. I checked the terminals and there is no corrosion and the connections are tight. Next I checked the fuses in the engine bay and didn’t see any blown fuses. I went to check the fuses under the dash but noticed the dome lights came on so I tried starting it again and this time it started. I let it sit for a few more minutes and again it started with no issue. Has anyone had this issue before? Could it be a ground issue? Any other ideas?

Mesquite77

Bad battery, has "surface voltage" ok, but no amps. Start simple here, likely old anyway...

justinmartinez001

Good idea I’m going to take it into the part store and have them check the cranking amps here in a bit.

Margate330

I'd ask them to check your alternator too.

I bought a digital voltage tester that I keep permanently plugged into my cigarette lighter. I can see my charging voltage at all times. It also has two USB's to charge my phone and looks nice.

It was only $10 but I think it has paid for itself. No longer wondering what my battery and charging voltage is and I can see it at all times when driving.

Highly recommend for everyone.

justinmartinez001

That sounds interesting and useful. Would you mind sharing a link?

Margate330

I don't have any links but I went outside and took a pic for ya.

They come in many shapes and styles and colors but they all should show voltage and having a usb charger built in is a nice touch.

It didn't come out well on my camera but it shows my voltage at idle when first starting up cold is 14.1V.

Sometimes it's around 13.8V on my first start of the day and may drift down as low as 13.6V as the battery charges up and I drive some miles- <this is when the car IS RUNNING> so it shows me my alternator is working.

If I turn the key but don't start it, I will just see my battery voltage.

justinmartinez001

Awesome thanks I'll look for something similar. Also is that an after market head unit?

DennisMik

here is a link to chargers with voltage readout...

Margate330

Yes sir, I yanked out the old radio and put in a double DIN.

In hindsight, I should've looked into the newer offerings.

My "new" radio requires me to plug my phone into the back of the unit using a long usb cable if I want to push my phone's screen to the display, which I never got around to doing. lol
Plus, it has no Anroid Auto or Carplay.

Not sure if I need that but people say they like it.