No Dash Lights/Gauges, A/C, Stuck Shifter. Help!

Tiny
ES300-LOWK
  • MEMBER
  • LEXUS
I own a 1998 Lexus ES300 (since new) with currently just over 30K on its 3.0L V6. Obviously, I don't drive it much and it stays in the garage most of the time. I run it regularly to get things to flow and the battery to charge. However, after a long 2+ month vacation over the summer, the battery died completely. I managed to have it recharged (trickle charge) at the local auto parts store, where it checked out OK, with good voltage and no dead cells.

Unfortunately, during the removal and replacement process, the alarm went off a few times. Now, the car starts OK and the battery seems to have plenty of power but:

[*]None of the dash, radio, auto A/C, etc. Equipment and respective digital displays/gauges and lights work.
[*]Power windows and locks do not work.
[*]Remote lock/unlock/alarm does not work.
[*]Shifter will not disengage from Park unless I override it mechanically with the console mounted button.
[*]Who knows what else doesn't work. ?

I've read on the Internet that this may be due to the triggering of the alarm and the computer going into "theft mode" or maybe because of the computer losing power for too long and needing to be reset. Does anyone have any idea what may have happened and how to address this problem? Is this something I could do on my own somehow? Or, I'm I stuck with a trip to the dealer or to my local japanese auto care shop? Any information will help. Thank you! :D
Tuesday, September 11th, 2007 AT 12:18 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
LOSTINMARS
  • MECHANIC
  • 222 POSTS
Sounds like the battery cables were put back on wrong, then reversed in the correct position. Did this happen when you put the battery back in?

If so and you're lucky you just blew a couple power fuses. Worst case is one of the body control modules is fried.
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Wednesday, September 12th, 2007 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
ES300-LOWK
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  • 2 POSTS
Yes, it happened after I replaced the battery. I don't think I reversed the cables though, as they just don't reach the opposite poles. Battery cables are original and battery is an almost new OEM Lexus battery as well.
I've checked all the fuses and replaced two which were blown; but that didn't solve the problem. Any idea as to which module it may be or where they are located? Is there any way to test which one may be faulty?
Any ideas will help. Thank you.
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Wednesday, September 12th, 2007 AT 8:54 PM
Tiny
LOSTINMARS
  • MECHANIC
  • 222 POSTS
I think you where right the first time and a shop will need to reprogram the alarm for you.
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Friday, February 2nd, 2018 AT 2:19 PM
Tiny
ES300-LOWK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yep that did the trick! $145.00 thanks for you help.
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Friday, February 2nd, 2018 AT 2:19 PM

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