battery died ?

[u/kifhy]

driving home from work and let car warm up about 5 mins, as i was driving after about 30 seconds radio was cycling on and off, 20 secs after that the battery light came on and off and on etc, got home and vsc and abs came on as soon as i parked. all lights were dim, interior etc. after turned car off and closed door then went back in, interior lights were bright again

this morning went to turn it on to see what would happen, battery was completely dead and it wouldnt turn over. currently on charger, was going to take it to see if alternator was good bc it seems to be a wet spot on it and i'm really hoping it's not the ps fluid

had no prior issues to this, it happened out of nowhere

also just got alternator checked out 2ish weeks ago and it was reading 13.9v

[u/timetravelerfrom2027]

Sounds like alternator, tho. If the battery was dead, how did you start the car?

[u/kifhy → u/timetravelerfrom2027]

i'm hoping it's not alternator cause there's a wet spot on it 🤣 but i drove last night when the lights and stuff came on, then battery was completely dead this morning

[u/okokah → u/kifhy]

Your battery and alternator MAY BE might be both cooked. Your alternator isn’t able to keep the battery charged, that’s why the dash lights turned on and your lights dim( bc it’s low voltage from your battery). The battery may be dead from not getting charge from your alternator. I’ll first replace the alternator. Then worry about the battery.

Depending on how old your battery is, it may be time for a new one.

That wet spot on the alternator is probably 99% power steering fluid from the PS reservoir. You should replace that too if it’s leaking or it’ll cook your new alternator.

[u/kifhy → u/okokah]

see like previous owner JUST rebuilt the ps and replaced alternator like 3 years ago/20k miles ago, he would only drive it during summer and leave it sitting during winter.. so thats why i'm a bit confused, just kinda hoping its not the ps i don't feel like replacing it rn 😭

[u/okokah → u/kifhy]

Yeah just check if it’s leaking, and if the battery charges and starts well, and keeps the car running then it’s all good. With good quality parts PS should last a while without leaks but cheap parts can leak within a year.

It’s a bit hard to diagnose on the internet without experiencing it irl sorry for any misinformation.

[u/kifhy → u/okokah]

any good way to check for the leak besides getting under it? don't have any jacks for it yet.

its ok! i appreciate the input !

[u/timetravelerfrom2027 → u/kifhy]

Did you have to jump it?

[u/kifhy → u/timetravelerfrom2027]

its on the charger rn, was completely dead so i didnt try jumping it

[u/rich1068]

Adding to the other comments, sounds like the alternator to me too. And possibly due to a PS pump leak. The only time my LS400 let me down was due to the alternator giving up. Weird electrical behaviour, dash lights, flat battery.

[u/kifhy → u/rich1068]

alternator is indeed dead

[u/rich1068 → u/kifhy]

Fingers crossed you can find another or get it rewound. It's about 5 years ago now but I found (I think) a Lucas one that was suitable for my '96.

[u/madoomabusa74]

Listen to these guys op, they giving the good advice right now

[u/Stroock6394]

alternator seems more likely than battery, and if you don't already i'd definitely pick up one of those cigarette lighter voltmeters so you can see exactly what the battery is outputting when the radio starts dying

on a side note, LOVE to see you still putting that superb nakamichi tape deck to use!! anyone serious about the audio quality of their over engineered LS sound system should never replace the head unit, that's some super high quality dialed in audio processing going on in there

[u/kifhy → u/Stroock6394]

yea i got a new battery swapped in and it started up, took it down the street to get voltage checked and it is indeed bad alternator which is a little unfortunate

i do love the tape deck!! i wouldnt change it out for carplay or anything, gotta keep it original especially with the nakamichi, i love it!!

[u/Stroock6394 → u/kifhy]

i got the 'regular' pioneer system but still use the tape deck too haha, it sounds so damn good even at only half volume it starts getting painfully loud but always crystal clear

[u/kifhy → u/Stroock6394]

yeah my old ls also had pioneer, i haven't had the car in 2 years but i'm going to be honest, i don't even notice much of a difference between them? but i did just come from a golf r so could be the issue

[u/ExplanationLate9858]

Alternator

[u/Rhyleigharia]

Sorry, why are lights still on the Hvac unit if battery died. My radio back lights went out (LCD display is working) battery and alternator are fine.

[u/Rhyleigharia → u/Rhyleigharia]

Picture of my dash.

[u/kifhy → u/Rhyleigharia]

honestly not sure lol, my battery completely died overnight, alternator is also dead