This 1999 Lexus ES300 was sent to me because that battery would go dead after several days of sitting. I checked with the customer to make sure he had the radio code of needed. Thankfully in the end we did not have to have it. Next, I connected my multimeter to the engine and to the negative battery post. I already had the leads set up for reading dc amps and at the 10 amp location. The initial amp draw was 1.23 amps.
After a few minutes it went down to .53 amps as different modules went to sleep.
Finally after leaving the car alone for about half an hour it settled down to a .10 amp draw and stayed there.
I was very lucky on this one. The first fuse that I pulled dropped the drain down to .02-.03 amps.
I checked the fuse designation and went to my wiring diagrams to see what all was attached to that fuse.
The system drain with the fuse removed.
I found out that one of the things this fuse supplied was the memory power seat. I have seen a lot of power seat switches get stuck and cause drains and blow fuses. I went right to the driver’s power seat to inspect and this is what I found. A button stuck in.
A light touch with my screw driver and it popped right up. I worked it back and forth several times. It never stuck again.
The fuse back in the fuse box and the drain was still at .02 amps. I advised the customer of the situation and he stated that he would just keep and eye on it to see if it would stick again.
That was about four months ago and I have not heard back from them.
Sparky, you r da bomb. 1999 es300. Battery died a month ago after sitting undriven for more than a week in the garage during a cold snap. The battery was old so we replaced it. No problems till today. Went to start it and nothing. It had sat for several days again. Was going to take it in for service and decided to do a little searching and your site popped up. Hubby went out to car, and sure enough, the button was stuck. Can’t thank you enough.
1997 Lexus for my daughter that just turned 16. Having the same problem. Mechanic didn’t know what the issue was. Searched and found this site. Exactly what the problem was. Screwdriver fixed it for free! I am a disabled mom that works full time. I cannot thank you enough for saving me time and money.
99 es300..same exact problem and my button was stuck down also. hopefully this quick fix just saved me $$$$ because I was getting ready to take to the shop. thanks a lot!!! awesome!!!!
It was the fuse in the fourth picture that I am pulling out with my pliers.
I have this very same problem. What was the fuse? I think mine may be blown now.