Starter issue, bite the bullet?
11-26-13, 01:58 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Starter issue, bite the bullet?
2000 GS400. A couple weeks ago I got the issue where I turn the key and just get a "click," no starter engagement. I had the same thing about 3-yrs ago and replaced the starter with OEM. I took the car into my dealer and they've had it 5-days now and it starts fine for them every time.
Should I just bite the bullet and tell them to put a starter in? I just know if I take the car home, it will quit at the worst time (probabaly when it's -30 freaking below!)
Thoughts?
Should I just bite the bullet and tell them to put a starter in? I just know if I take the car home, it will quit at the worst time (probabaly when it's -30 freaking below!)
Thoughts?
11-26-13, 06:44 PM
#3
Rookie
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: colorado
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
About 4 years ago my SC300 had a problem staring where i would have to turn the key about 10 times for it do engage (otherwise it would just click like you describe). I spent a few hours and removed the starter and cleaned ALL of the contacts with a dremel wire wheel, cleaned the starter terminals, the wires that connect to the starter, and both battery cable ends and battery posts, it starts great with one turn of the key still 4 years later and that is all i did, i believe it is the original starter too 
this is a trick i try on all of my cars now just to see if it works...it doesnt cost anything except time.
On the other hand if you ar uncomfortable working on your own car you may just want to have one put it, i bet the dealer will charge an arm and a leg though.
this is a trick i try on all of my cars now just to see if it works...it doesnt cost anything except time. On the other hand if you ar uncomfortable working on your own car you may just want to have one put it, i bet the dealer will charge an arm and a leg though.
12-18-13, 05:55 AM
#5
Rookie
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: IL
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Similar/same problem here
My issue is similar - '03 GS 430 - very intermittent. When all is good it starts fine, but once in every 2nd or 3rd drive, it will click once and then start, rarely it will click twice and then start. When it starts everything seems strong/normal. Will try the battery terminals.
12-19-13, 12:11 PM
#7
A few years ago when it got cold out my car would not start the first time that I turned the key. I just got a clicking sound. Then last winter things got progressively worse to the point that I would have to turn my key 20-30 times on some occasions before my car would turn over. I replaced my starter last year and I haven't had the problem since. My car is a 1998 Lexus GS 400 with 178,000 miles on it. It probably had around 170,000 when I replaced the starter. I think the cost was around $220 for the starter from Sewell and $400 for the install at a shop nearby. If you go the dealer a starter replacement will easily run you over a grand, though.
On the other hand, it could definitely be the battery terminals. However, when my battery terminal were corroded my symptoms were a bit different. My car actually died while it was running and then refused to start when my terminals were corroded.
On the other hand, it could definitely be the battery terminals. However, when my battery terminal were corroded my symptoms were a bit different. My car actually died while it was running and then refused to start when my terminals were corroded.
Trending Topics
12-19-13, 10:47 PM
#9
Instructor
Bite the bullet and DIY...
If you have just a bit of skill turning wrenches you can do this.
A few years ago when my starter went I spent $27.00 for new contacts and plunger, along with three hours of my time.
Read the link posted in post #6
If you have just a bit of skill turning wrenches you can do this.
A few years ago when my starter went I spent $27.00 for new contacts and plunger, along with three hours of my time.
Read the link posted in post #6
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post