Hey guys, I'm running out of options here. First off I have a 2005 TL auto, new battery, new starter installed. Every time I start up, there one click an it doesn't turn over. I'm thinking there's a bad ground connection with my audio. But that turned out fine. Before the new starter and new battery. I had to tap (bang) on the starter to get it started. While parked up over night, the battery died this morning. Nothing was on, or any doors left open. So I just replace with a brand new battery and new starter. I checked all fuses and wires for corrosion or exposure and everything looks good. I also turned off and disconnected my alarm. Im left puzzled on what can cause this issue. I read a few threads of guys with similar problems, but they turned out fine after replacing the battery or starter. open to all options and ideas.

 

It could be a faulty starter motor. Make sure your battery connections are tight

 

I got the starter checks and it turned out good . the terminal connections are cleaned and tightened

 

i have absolutely no clue but i remember reading about when the hfl unit is malfunctioning it drains the battery pretty quick?

 

Place your palm on the upper console (the plastic above the mirror where the lights are). That is where the HFL assembly is located. I suggest waiting a few hours and then check to see if it is warm. The HFL is supposed to shutdown after 20-30 minutes. Now if it does not then that area will be warm, and it will drain your battery.

Seems like you had two separate issues:
1. Starter (which has been remedied)
2. A battery which is dying. Many people have had issues with HFL, you can either change it out or just unplug it at the HFL unit (means you lose all hands free ie. bluetooth, nav commands)

 

Never rule out your negative cable / terminal .. if you cleaned it yourself its prolly fine but if a shop did it sometimes they figure if it looks clean its clean .. take it off and use a wire brush or course paper to clean it.


There has been cases on here where the negative cable was bad. That can cause poor charging and the click. But usually won't kill the battery over nite.

 

thanks, I haven't had a chance to look after anything this whole weekend. but the battery (new on just installed on Friday) is drained . I have a warranty on it so that getting replaced . how do I disconnect the HFL? I want to eliminate all/any factors that made lead to my problem. I plan on jumping the starter by touching both connections together, once started I was gonna find a place to run a diagnosis .

 

Do a search in the Audio forum. There is a epic thread their about the HFL and in that thread is instructions on how to get to the cable to disconnect. It's fairly easy and quick.

You can also pull fuse #6, but you lose additional items besides the HFL if you do that.

 

If you disconnected the alarm, wouldn't that also trigger the vehicle NOT to start?

 

I reconnect the alarm, traced the positive battery wire and found some corrosion. Got the cleaned and reconnected. I also disconnected the HFL. Put the new battery in and she started right up. I shut the car down after a while and connected back the HFL, then started up successfully. I'm gonna leave the HFL connected for a few days and see if the issue still occurs.