Electrical, alternator replacement

Tiny
TREY JORDAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 LEXUS IS 250
  • 2.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 174,500 MILES
I just replaced the alternator in my car listed above is 250 because the battery the car kept shutting off and the electrical systems were fading out quickly after jumping the car. The battery was tested as good (although I’m suspect).
No issues getting the alternator removed and reinstalled with a new unit, however, I can’t get the car to start, even with a jump vehicle attached. The windows, door locks, power seats, windows radio and climate control do not even turn on, only the main dash cluster. I’ve replaced the fob battery and when I hold it up to the start button, with the brake depressed, the light on the push button start never turns green. I can hear nothing from the engine high makes me wonder if it is some sort of immobilizer that I haven’t been able to get past.
I’ve held down the start button it’s key next to it for 30 seconds, I’ve held down panic key for 5 seconds, locked all the doors and then unlocked the driver door with the key shank, unhooked the neg battery cable for 10 minutes, none of which are allowing me to start the car. I have checked the fuse linkage and fuses and double checked the alternator hookups. The only other common thing I’ve read is that the battery might be bad.
Out of ideas please advise. Thanks
Saturday, September 5th, 2020 AT 4:55 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

The battery may be too weak to work. Have you tried charging it? Also, if the battery is extremely weak, you may not even be able to jump start it. When you did try to jump start it, did the other electrical components work? Do the head lights turn on or the brake lights?

I have schematics on the vehicle, but let me know the answers to the aforementioned questions so I know which way to go as far as checking.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, September 5th, 2020 AT 5:50 PM
Tiny
TREY JORDAN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Joe,

I’m not near a charging device currently, I tried to jump it earlier today the headlights flickered on and off just now and the brake lights do not work.
The map lights and the interior overhead lights are coming on but that’s all.

Would that explain it not getting past the amber color on the push button start?

It also asks me to depress the brake pedal when starting when my foot is on the pedal already.
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Saturday, September 5th, 2020 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Something is stopping power from getting where it needs to be. When you replaced the alternator, did everything go back together properly? Are things like the battery terminals clean and tight as well as grounds on the engine and body?
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Saturday, September 5th, 2020 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
TREY JORDAN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I can recheck the grounds. How many does there need to be?

Yes, everything went back together but there is always a slight possibility of something.

Is the alternator have a ground on it or is it just the controller plug and the power cable?
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Saturday, September 5th, 2020 AT 7:57 PM
Tiny
TREY JORDAN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
My battery was under warranty and I got a new one. It was bad but in the process of putting it in I looked from an extreme angle the long linked fuse under the clear plastic beneath the battery and it was blown, but when looked at from straight on it did not appear to be. My error.
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Saturday, September 5th, 2020 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Were you able to replace the fusible link? Can you tell where it is going to? Is it the alternator?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, September 6th, 2020 AT 6:26 PM

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