Vanda13

Hi John (from Lancashire), just seen your reply. Yes, 6 yrs is ridiculous. My problem is, it has been looked at and there's been a lot of head scratching! So, what qualifications do I need to look for in an experienced auto electrician? They are about but how do I sort out those with the expertise and knowledge and those without? We have a heating business and I can tell you that not all qualified heating engineers can see or diagnose a problem even if it were to smack them on the nose. Some would just throw a load of parts at a problem or run away, we get new customers all the time desperate to resolve a problem that their regular service guy can't or won't assist with. I need to find someone who knows his stuff, doesn't flannel a woman and will take pride in diagnosing and resolving the problem. Someone with a good reputation for this kind of problem. How do I find them? ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Many thanks for your feedback. I just don't know who to go to. The AA have been called out so many times - their engineers clamber to have a go! It's beyond my local garage, they've referred me to the Lexus dealer. And each time I've gone to the dealer for servicing or MOT or new battery they are at a loss to know what else to do other than change the battery. I'm not an engineer so don't know how to direct them in what to look for but I will pass on your advice John. It may help but surely they should know that. It goes in for another MOT with them later this month. But hands off my handsome mean machine, he's not for sale - although I've had a few tempting offers!

SC430 auto 2005: Advice re flat battery. I've had my beautiful car for nearly 6 yrs and it has been reliably unreliable during this period in not starting if I leave it for any period of time. During the winter I can drive 100 miles, park for a couple of hours, then it won't start without being jumped. In the summer I can sometimes leave it for a couple of days before it fails to start. Again I have to jump start it. Despite renewing the battery annually and making sure I turn EVERYTHING off, I now permanently carry a very heavy duty power pack in the boot to start up wherever I am. It's a joke. On one occasion I drove it for most of the day, stopped to concentrate on a hands free call for 20 minutes only to find I had to jump it to re-start. My local dealer has not been able to resolve and I really don't know where to turn to. I absolutely love my car but I no longer drive it in the winter, too much trouble in the rain to jump it, so it is garaged for at least six months. I've read that other owners have had the same or similar problems - if they've been resolved, how? Certainly doesn't look good for Lexus, my local fiends/neighbours can't understand it at all. Find it amazing that I haven't got rid by now!! We've tried a trickle charge but even that can't be relied upon on such a big engine. Any advice. I live in Hampshire.