Battery good, no ignition
Asked by Wayne Jun 28, 2015 at 09:40 PM about the 2001 Lexus LS 430 RWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I have a 2001 Lexus LS430 which was left for 4 weeks. Battery was dead, got new battery but now will not start. All electronics are working, but on ignition I just hear a faint hiss. No clicking solenoid that I can hear....Any idea what to check?
3 Answers
Possible low amperage from battery dieing,damaged the ignition,or the starter,
Brainybear72 answered 9 years ago
From what I read, I believe you may need to replace the starter... You have a new battery, that displays working equipment, so it is not a question of amperage cranking power, but you hear no clicking so that tells me its the starter. Here's a crazy thing that I don't know how helped me, BUT someone told it to me years ago and it worked... Put the key in the ignition, and turn on the headlights before you attempt to start the car. Somehow it worked for my vehicle and its not like you have anything to lose. If nothing still, then I believe its your starter that needs to be checked. Check the grounding wires of the new battery and check the wires of the starter. If everything is good with the wiring, it should be pulled and tested/replaced.
Own a 2001 and 2003. Good battery/starters in both. If I let either sit for more than a couple of weeks, very slow or non start. This is a standard problem. There are several small but steady drains on the battery (car alarm, headlights set in automatic on/off, etc). Door ajar on interior light also possible. Leave the car long enough and it won't start. Jump start and it will probably work.