Battery Or Alternator?

[kev0312]

Hi all.

Had a quick lookthrough threads but most are talking about extra speakers etc., mine is the standard is200se. nothing upgraded due to 2 young nippers costing me a fortune.

anyhow, over the last week or so am having random problems with the car. when starting it is struggling to get going, the Battery indicator says it only has 8-9 volts, which quickly rises upto 12-13 when it turns over. However, it regularly needs jumping to start, especially if left over 12 hrs. it did happen last week outside a shop after being driven for 40 mins and left for only 30 mins outside.

When started all is fine, nothing is left on ie lights etc am just wondering whether this means a new Battery or it is the alternator which is knackered.

As you can tell, no ideas about cars but any help/advice is much appreciated.

cheers

kev

[sparkystav]

Sounds like the Battery to me mate, if it was the alternator it'd completely died already.

Stav

[Noel]

a multimeter is to only way to pin point whats going on...

it could be a loose or corroded connections, a bad Battery, suffering alternator or something drawing power like the boot light staying on constantly ...

a few minutes with a meter will tell loads

[redz_UK]

if the Battery is only floating at 9 v then would say its dead.. any decent garage or Halfords / kwikfit will be able to help you out..

[Steviewevie]

Not saying it definitely is the Battery, but the colder weather we've had recently often helps to tip marginal (failing) batteries over the edge, I've had that before on previous cars.

[DJ Wozza]

Sounds like the Battery to me so long as the terminals are nice & tight,

crap fit & hellfrauds do free checks I believe.

[Anees]

I agree sounds like Battery - especailly if the voltage increases when the car is started (indicating the alternator is working fine).

Halfrauds actually do a good Battery for the IS200 with a 5 year warranty. I had one in my IS200 and couldn't fault it. HCB???? rings a bell

[Lochie]

Similar thing happened to me couple of months ago. I replaced the Battery and all fine now.

first i bought a halford calcium Battery (£96) but it was too large. bonnet lid touched top of the Battery and terminals when closed.

the original Battery cover was too small to fit on too. so I returned it and got a lexus genuine Battery from the dealer(£67 inc vat.)

[kev0312]

Sorry for delay replying fellas, unfortunately had to spend the last ten days on a beach in tenerife B)

Anyhow, as expected Battery dead on trying car, but starts straight away when jump leads are on.

Missus took today and went flat in Manchester. RAC called says it is the original Battery ( car is 2001 x reg ) and that the Battery is knackered. So now looking to buy a new Battery.

Is it worth a good look round to get a good but cheap Battery or should I just go to lexus dealers or Halfords

Cheers for all erplying to other question

Kev

[aztecbandit1]

Lexus battery's are not too bad priced if i remember matey and they seem to last quite well :)

[DJ Wozza]

yep, the Lexus 65Ah one isn't too bad by all accounts and price is quite competitive,

absolutely fine if not running a big sound system.

[kam05]

Best to get a Battery from Lexus/Toyota. IMHO, most Japanese cars come with odd sized Battery that sometimes don't sit properly in the Battery area if you get a replacement from Halfords/local motor factors etc.

[kev0312]

Cheers for all the advice.

Managed to get a Bosch Silver for £70 all in from a car parts place locally. About to replace now so hopefully all sorted.

Cheers

Kev

[Dodgydave]

Cheers for all the advice.

Managed to get a Bosch Silver for £70 all in from a car parts place locally. About to replace now so hopefully all sorted.

Cheers

Kev

You would have been better off going to Lexus. I replaced my Battery two weeks ago. It cost me £60.01 from Lexus Canterbury (Motorline Toyota) and that was fitted; they also obviously dispose of the old Battery too.

Dave.

[Is200Scott]

Cheers for all the advice.

Managed to get a Bosch Silver for £70 all in from a car parts place locally. About to replace now so hopefully all sorted.

Cheers

Kev

Hi Kev,

Has the new Battery sorted it out? I've been having the exact same problem as you. I charged my Battery overnight last night and the car started (just!). Now it won't start again

I'm was worried it might be the alternator but after reading this maybe not as my reading is around 9 volts untill I've driven a bit, then it goes up to 18 ish. So if yours is ok now I'll go to lexus and get a new Battery.

Cheers

Scott