QuestionQUESTION: Something is killing my 1994 Lexus SC400's battery about every 3 days of sitting. Alarm (factory) has gone off on its own a couple of times so I installed an aftermarket alarm but battery still drains. One time I heard the power locks constantly clicking and I instantly tried to turn the car on but it was dead. I have the power locks fuse removed right now and the battery has not died in weeks. What can be draining the battery? A mechanic said the alarm module/computer could be bad, and getting a new factory key fob installed from the dealership might fix the problem. Suggestions?
ANSWER: The mechanic is correct. It's either the charging system
in the Lexus, or there is an open relay or circuit that
is pulling too much amperage. Either way, It might be
the OEM system cuasing havoc here. Lexus is the next stop I'd think.
Wish I could say more on it, but without onsite
inspection, it would all be speculation. You need more
than that here.
Good luck.
ALARMTEK
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: When you say the mechanic is correct, do you mean that you believe that reprogramming a new key fob will effectively cleanse the alarm system of the problem? (if it is actually the alarm system that's causing the problem, of course) Or would I need to completely replace some components?
Also I had a mechanic check the whole system for a full day (before I suspected the alarm/power locks)and he did not find any drain. It's definitely not the battery or charging system. That's why I think it's the OEM alarm sending random messages. Is this a good assumption and how would that be fixed if it was definitely the problem?
Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it
AnswerBest answer without seeing what was done is to
undo it for a test. Remove the power connections
on the after market alarm for 48 hours to determine
that it is the cause.
Get this done before spending money on a new OEM key I think.
Let me know what you discover.
A.
