jshalala

Bought this 1999 GS400 last week.
192,000 miles.
Ran and started great every time I drove it for the past two weeks.
Drove it to dinner last night, then drove it to the car wash. Started fine afterwards and drove home fine.
Parked in the driveway and came out about an hour later to move it into the garage.
Key turns, all lights come on, headlights on, etc.
As soon as I turn the key to start the dash goes black and I hear a click but no starting.

I am going to replace the positive battery terminal connector as it is a little chewed up but I dont think that is my issue.

I know a click no start usually points to a starter but it is so weird that it would suddenly go bad!

Is it normal for the dash to go black when turning the key to start?

Thanks for any info you guys might have !

MasterKwan

Points to a battery or cable if you ask me. Better hope it's not the starter. Keep in mind, the battery could be fine and your alternator might simply not be charging the battery so, it died.

Starter on a '400 is buried under the intake manifold.

jshalala

Update:

Replaced positive battery cable connector. Tried to start, still a click no start the several times I tried.

I then hooked up jumper cables to it from my other car and attempted to start it.

Click no start again, the second time however, it fired right up and ran perfect.

I dont know if this points to a low battery/bad alternator or a bad starter.

It seemed to start fine earlier every time I started it so I would be surprised if the battery died that fast. I am going to see if I can take it to Autozone and have them test the battery and alternator.

If they test ok I will plan on replacing the starter. Even though it is under the intake manifold it does not look like too bad of a job.

pdxgs

iTrader: (7)

When starters begin to go out in the gs4, it is typically intermittent like you describe. Sometimes it will start, sometimes it won't. Colder temps usually make it less likely to start when the starter is going bad.

You're right, the starter job isn't that bad...just time consuming. You can rebuild the starter for around $80 instead of replacing it, Sewell has a rebuild kit.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

Welcome to CL.....

yada

I also recently purchased a 00 gs400 around a month ago and am currently at shop getting alternator replaced. Good luck w fix hope its just battery

egs21

Yeah, sounds like the starter or the ignition coil. Won't be a cheap fix, but should be a one time fix for this car.

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

hmm i thought the click usually meant that the starter is actually working but the battery is dead. someone enlighten me?

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Usually true, but if the solenoid is bad, you'll get a click too.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Starter solenoid is bad

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

good to know! thanks!

DosyBoy

iTrader: (1)

Starter solenoid could be getting stuck intermittently...

jshalala

Thanks for all the help guys!

Got the car back in the garage at least but I am afraid to drive it anywhere haha
I think I might take the chance to get the alternator tested at AZ before I replace the starter but I will probably bite the bullet and go ahead and rebuild the starter itself.

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

Yeah getting the ALT checked Is easier than getting to the starter, try that first. if not it's time to get under and fix your starter.

99GS400HP

i had the same problem on my 99 GS400... its your starter contacts and plunger... you have to change them.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-s...-problems.html

read this.. on the 2nd page shows you how and what to do.. i have general knowledge of cars. and did this myself.. it was easy without any issues.. if you bring it to a dealer they will charge you 1k+ for the job.

I did it myself for 80 dollars for parts and thats it.

I bought my parts from Lexuspartsnow.com