lexusben

iTrader: (3)

I drive a 1998 Lexus GS 400 with 177,000 miles. For a while my car has been giving me trouble starting up. This is an intermittent issue and it usually only happens when the weather is cooler.

Sometimes it will take 10-20 key turns before the car will turn over. Until it finally turns over it just clicks once. Sometimes it will turn and then stutter, failing to start the car.

Luckily after I turn the key enough times, the car has always started, but this issue has become very irritating and I want to get to the bottom of it.

I have the following CEL codes and I was wondering if any of them could be related to this issue:
P0430
P0441
P0446

I have actually already bought a starter from Sewell, but I may return it if you guys feel that this issue has a different resolution.

Here is a video of the problem:

View My Video

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

Not sure if it helps but i had similar symptoms ... Cleaned my MAF really good and it hasn't done it since. This is for the last 4 months. Fires right up everytime... However, i didnt have any codes.

lexusben

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the advice, Mike. I have actually cleaned my TB in the last 2 years, and my MAF within the last 3 or 4. Did your car actually not even turn like mine does in the video?

Any other advice is appreciated.

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

Cant view the video on my phone

I clean my MAF once a year. Mine would turn over and bog out. Pulled the MAF and it have lil ***** of gunk on the wire things inside. Sprayed and dried no issues since.

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

just saw the video... sorry bro my car never did that.

cruisinvip

iTrader: (2)

Im not sure if its related to your issue but i had the same codes.
po430 was for bad gaskets, right after cat.
po441&446 was bad charcoal canister solenoid.

Relating to your issue, maybe try a different battery or reset ecu? Hope this helps.

vijayn

Have you tried starting it in Neutral? It might be the P/N switch.

btanchors

I saw your video, did you get a resolution to this problem yet? My 2003 GS430 did this, and it turned out to be the starter. I had the dealer replace it, it was about $1300. The starter is actually under the intake manifold so there was significant labor involved just to get to it.

lexusben

iTrader: (3)

Yep, mine turned out to be the starter as well. I bought a Starter Kit from Sewell for around $230 and had the work done for $400. I haven't had a problem starting up since.

Now my brakes are having trouble, though. Always something else to fix, lol.