1999 Lexus RX 300 Battery burnt?

SACTOKINGS03

MEMBER
1999 LEXUS RX 300
123,000 MILES

My car has been having problem starting in the morning the last few days. Today it started but sounded difference. So I took the key out but the car still ran without key in ignition. Couple minutes of running smoke came out from the hood. Car stopped running. I think smoke came from my battery. What do you think my car's problem is.

Thanks

Tim

1 Reply

MADMIKE1735

MECHANIC
951 POSTS

Its possible the starter was going bad, and the added resistance burnt up a battery cable. Without actually seeing it, I cant say for sure. What is the deal with starting. Was it slow cranking? There are 3 major components in the starting/charging system. Battery, alternator, and starter. There are more, but lets start with the major ones. Any one of these can fail, and ruin another component. It happens. Have the battery tested, start here. Once its verified good, then we can check that the alternator is working properly. A starter can burn up from long, slow cranking. Verify battery, and alternator are good, then we can further diag.