ateal

Hi there fellow Lexus owners,

Two weeks ago I had a mechanic replace the starter motor in my 96 LS400 and last night on way home on the freeway I had some problems with the rpm fluctuating rapidly and the car jerking feeling like it was going to cut out. It first started with the radio cutting out momentarily without any mechanical problems. This happened intermittently for the first 10 miles and then went away. Then after a further 20 miles the rpm started rising and falling, the ABS light went on and the radio and clock kept going on and off.

I managed to limp home with the problem and when home turned off the engine and turned it on again with no problem.

My question is whether the problem has started due to something not being done correctly when the starter motor was replaced. I have had this car for over two years without any problem.

Any advice offered will be most welcome.

Thanks

Adrian

diamondave

Well to replace the starter you have to pull the upper intake. I would go over the top of the motor and make sure the mechanic didn't leave anything unplugged. Any CEL codes?

dashan

Check the battery cable, it is loose.

ateal

Thanks for the input Dave. I will check the codes, but I could not see any apparent loose wires.

ateal

DasHan, funny you mention that. They did replace the positive battery terminal when replacing the starter. Do you think this could be the problem.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like a loose engine ground. Check for codes and begin with that.

LScowboyLS

I agree with the battery terminals, connections, grounds - these are by far the most likely

something was not reconnected securely in the primary 12V supply

other possibilities are failing alternator, failing battery or failing ECU caps, but my vote is a poor connection, followed by alternator, then battery

ateal

Thanks to all comments, I really appreciate the fast responses. I will have the new positive battery terminals checked along with any codes. Hopefully it will be the connection and a really cheap fix, fingers crossed.

Thanks again.

Regards

Adrian