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EvaFearless, You're going to have to take the car to a good independent mechanic who you trust. Lexus can do the same for you, but the end result will be more dollars from your purse. Give the mechanic the history you gave here, and with a wiring diagram for your year and model ES, he will be able to track down the wiring harness or component in the loop that has shorted out. You've started on the right track to solve the issue, but it requires an expert's help at this point. If you have a local shop that calls itself similar to "Kitt's Auto Electric" (a business near my location) , that would be a good bet also, as they do mainly electrical systems problems, rather than mechanical, and should get to the source of the problem much quicker, meaning less dollars. Good Luck!

I would agree Autumn. A short of some type and which could be in several systems, is the most likely problem. That being said, finding away for you or someone else to trace it down is the next problem. Paul

Thanks tex2670. Did anyone mention what causes the problem? Mileage related? How many miles on your '07? Just curious, Just saw a post on ClubLexus today with a good explanation (thanks to solotex55 -- no relation):

Well....sad to say that the rotor was not the problem....my car still doing the same thing........what the hell is going on??? Who knows...I guess I'll have to wait until the car breaks down and leaves me stranded! :o

Well....I did the Rotor and cap change and I think that fixed the problem... the rotor was oretty ragged and I think it was the original from factory because it was made by Denso... my car just completed its 100thou mile-iversity, so that definitely needed to go....... So guys..if your car is acting weird like this, change that damn rotor! Thanks everyone 4 ur help..I will report any updates. PS Im going to Orlando all next week so that would be the super test. :D :D :D

i agree the alt will not get damaged unless it already is and it doesn't run off the battery except to start also when checking wires you need to check both ends not just by the terminals mine corroded on the main body ground under the battery tray

THe melted plastic on the alternator means that the connection at that point is bad. Take off the plastic stuff and you should see that the nut holding down that wire is loose. It heats up because it constantly looses contact and is trying to put 50+ amps through a hair of a wire. I really don't think this problem is with the ABS. It is definitely a connection problem. BTW. Taking the negative off the battery should have absolutely no effect on the car (if the alternator is ok). While your car is running, the battery charges. It is not used(or shouldn't be) at any point in time while the car is on. The battery in a car is just there so you can start the car. The alternator takes over from there. So once again, a valid test of the alternator is to tak eoff the ground while the car is running. If it turns off, you either have wiring problems or the alternator is bad.

I agree with JPI about checking the wires again (and again, and again). I've had this problem (not on a Lexus) but this exact same problem. I checked the wires and all seemed fine. Have you guys ever gotten into the car and upon turning the key, just got a click? Well eventualyy that's what happened to me and I went out and got a new started (stupid me), intalled it and nothing. Still click. My dad ended up fixing the problem by taking off my positive connection off my battery and cleaning all the crap inside. It was one of those that the connection actually screws into the battery. I didn't do this because I was told only the negative corrodes. Anyways, as I said, take off first the negative, then the positive off the battery. Clean them both with a wire brush, wipe em off with a clean towel, and put them back on. Good luck! btw...test for working alternator is simple. 1. Start your car 2. Take off negative terminal off battery a) Car Stays On - Good Alternator B) Car shuts off - bad alternator

Check your connection and wires again. Look over everything really good. When was the last time you do anything to your car? Is your alternator putting out enough ? Take it to autozone or some other place for them to test your alternator. Also tell them to do a load test on your alternator. Let me know how it turn out. JPI

i would say an alternator problem that is intermittent i used to not be able to idle my car as it wouldn't keepenough chrge to restart i would also check the wiring which may need to be replaced if damged for the alternator and starter plus body ground