I've recently purchased a 94 LS400 and, unfortunately, don't know the history on the alternator or battery (however, the battery appears to be the right specification and is about 24 months old).
I've encountered two problems starting the car since I've had it. Both times the problems seem to appear after the car has gone undriven for 48 hours or more. The first time, I got the rapid click o'death and naturally thought it was time to replace the battery. However, after I went to start it about an hour later, it kicked right on over.
I went ahead and cleaned the battery posts and cables anyway. Any other starts were no trouble at all. In fact, the next day my wife left the parking lights on for two hours(!), but the engine kicked right on over none the less.
The following day the car was scheduled to go to the dealer for its scheduled maintenance. In spite of them telling me that their checkup includes ALL systems, I asked them to pay particular attention to the charging system. When I picked the car up, Lexus assured me that the charging system checks out fine.
The car then sat for about 48 hours undriven. I get out to start it this morning and while I didn't get the click o'death, it did not want to start. Got a couple of belabored moans and groans from the engine before it finally, and reluctantly, kicked over. I drove it at lunch today and it started normally.
Sooooo....anyone want to take a shot as to what the problem could be? I thought about just replacing the battery to see if that would "cure" things, but if I've got to end up replacing the alternator, I might want to mind my pennies.
Any advice...including any info as to what it might cost to replace the alternator at dealer prices would be appreciated. (If it's as expensive at the dealer as I think it is, I might look for another alternative).
Thanks,
-Taz