Modern car batteries can last a long time. But this doesn’t mean they’ll last forever, especially if you often use the battery without the engine running. If you find that the battery doesn’t have enough charge to start your Lexus one day, you may need to charge it. Read below as our team at Lexus of Stevens Creek in San Jose, California, provides the steps you can follow to charge the battery and what to do if it no longer accepts a charge.
How Do You Charge Your Lexus Vehicle’s Battery?
If you find you need to charge a low or dead Lexus vehicle battery before you can get on the road in San Jose, follow the procedure outlined below step by step:
Locate the Car Battery
The first thing you’ll want to do is locate the vehicle’s battery. Unlock your Lexus vehicle using the key, then look for the lever to unlock your vehicle’s front hood. This lever is typically near the door by the driver’s seat. Once you open the hood, lift it and secure it in place using the hood support bar. Under the hood, you’ll see many mechanical components that operate your vehicle. Look for a large black or gray box with two cables (one red, one black) coming from it. This is your vehicle’s battery.
Prepare the Battery for Charging
After you find your vehicle’s battery, you should closely examine the terminals coming from the battery. These terminals may have plastic covers that you’ll need to remove or push to the side. Look for a blue or white residue around the edges of the terminals. If you see this residue, try to remove it using something like an old toothbrush. Avoid touching this residue with your hands, as it can be corrosive to the skin.
Set Up the Battery Charger
Once your Lexus’s battery is ready, you can then move on to preparing the battery charger. All battery chargers are different, so it’s best to follow the directions for your specific charger. You’ll want to make sure the charger is off before you plug it in and check that the black and red cables are securely attached to the charger. If you’re using another vehicle to jump-start your Lexus, you should first ensure the other vehicle is off before attaching the cables to its battery terminals.
Connect to the Positive Terminal
Attach the red clamp from the battery charger to the positive (+) terminal on the battery. This terminal will likely have a red cover on it. As you connect the cables, make certain that the two cable clamps don’t touch one another, which can cause some sparks. Make sure to securely fasten the red clamp to the positive terminal before moving on to the next step.
Connect to the Negative Terminal
Next, attach the black cable clamp. Rather than connecting it to the battery’s negative terminal, you’ll want to connect it to the vehicle’s frame, a ground point, or an engine bolt. There may also be a metal piece near the negative battery terminal that you can connect the clamp to. Once again, make sure to securely fasten the clamp before proceeding.
Turn on the Battery Charger
With all the clamps securely in place, you can now turn on the battery charger. If you haven’t plugged it into a wall outlet yet, now is the time to do so. Then, turn it to “on” to begin charging the battery. If you’re using another vehicle to jump-start yours, turn the key until the engine turns over, then leave the engine running. Many battery chargers have lights that indicate whether the dead battery is receiving a charge. If yours does, check these lights to ensure everything is working properly.
Wait for the Battery To Charge
Fully charging a dead battery will take some time. Depending on the charger’s output and the battery’s condition, you may need to wait a few hours for the battery to have a full charge. If you’re just trying to jump-start the vehicle, you may be able to start the dead Lexus after a few minutes. Try to be patient, as using the battery before it has enough charge could drain it further and extend your waiting time. Once the battery is ready, turn off the charger and disconnect it from the power source. Then, detach the cables from the battery.
Test the Battery
Finally, test the battery. Take your Lexus out for a drive of at least thirty minutes. If you can, take your vehicle on the highway, as this will help the alternator charge the battery further. After driving for an extended time, head back home and turn off the vehicle. Wait a few moments, then start it again. You shouldn’t have any further issues if the vehicle starts without a problem. If your vehicle doesn’t start, it likely didn’t receive enough charge.
What Should You Do If the Battery Won’t Charge?
If you followed the steps above and your vehicle still won’t start, there are a few things you can try. First, repeat the steps above to ensure you did them correctly. You can also try waiting longer to see if the battery simply needs more time to receive a full charge.
If that doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to replace the battery in your Lexus. All batteries fail over time; some can’t retain a significant charge after a few years. Luckily, replacing the battery in a vehicle is a relatively simple and affordable procedure, so you won’t have to go too long without your car.
Lexus Battery Maintenance in Stevens Creek
Whether you need help charging your Lexus’s battery or need a new one, Lexus of Stevens Creek is here to help. Contact our service center to schedule an appointment today. Our service department can test your vehicle’s battery and charge or replace it as necessary. If you’re unable to get your vehicle to us, call us, and we’ll help you make arrangements.
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