Horngreen

I have a 90 es250 that won't start or even jump start. When I turn the key I might get a slight click fron "under the dash"? That night I turned on the headlights which were bright and then turned the key assuming the lights would dim, they didn't at all. It seems no juice is reaching the starter as all the lights remained bright when the key was turned. The starter is about a year old and had been working normally up to this point. What I find odd is the Lexus manual seems to indicate that only M/T (manual trans?) cars have a starter relay. I can't imagine that is right but I guess anything is possible. I've done some simple things like trying it in neutral and wiggling the shifter and even whacking the starter but nothing seems to change. Could it be and is there even a starter relay on a 1990 es250 with an automatic trans? Thanks for any and all input.

amf1932

It could be a defective ignition switch.

Horngreen

I got lucky on this one. It turned out the small wire that plugs into the side of the starter had worked itself out and of course rolled under the starter so I couldn't see it at first. I really thought I was going to spend the day doing a neutral safety switch or starter relay or ignition switch. My luck never goes this good with car problems. It has been the best car I have ever owned but she is getting a bit long in the tooth.

amf1932

Happy to hear that you resolved the problem!