tlewis

I have a 1999 Lexus ls400 will not crank just one click. The vehicle will crank after numerous attempts.After it cranks it will continue to crank. But if it sits for a short time. Problem repeats itself, just replaced starter but when I took old starter and had it tested it was good, battery as well. Have not put manifold back on yet. I would be greatful for any advice? What else could be wrong?

Gene01

It sounds like you have a fault in the contactor (points which are connected by the solenoid when it is pulled in).
However, it would be good to do a small amount of troubleshooting before replacing anything.
You will need a voltmeter - it does not have to be digital or even highly accurate. Harbor Freight sells a very cheap one which will do fine for this purpose. It goes on sale for $2.99 or even free sometimes.
Check the battery voltage, first while doing nothing, then while cranking. If that looks good, check the cable, connectors, grounds, etc, and finally, check the voltage at the solenoid itself.
It is fairly common to have a bad battery even when it is quite new. It is also common for the cable (especially the positive one) to have a corroded connection where the positive clamp is fastened to the cable.

LScowboyLS

the part that goes bad in the starter is not the starter motor itself, it is the solenoid contacts/plunger assembly

tlewis

I went ahead and replace battery terminals and terminals two relays put manifold and engine back together it cranks and runs fine thanks a lot for the info and help

Gene01

It's always great to hear that a problem was solved. Congratulations!

tlewis

earlier I posted after replacing starter in 1999 ls400 the vehicle cranked and ran fine.recently I went to pull vehicle out of the garage. there is a very loud knock coming from engine when I press on throttle. did not pick or up on this earlier because I only allowed vehicle to idle which sounded fine. it is when I press on throttle the knock was heard. does anybody have any insight on what I could have done wrong?this knock was not present before I replaced starter.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

when replacing the solenoid kit, there is only one way to get anything into your engine and cause a knock...

that is by dropping something into one of the intake ports... and at an initial idle, the fuel/air mixture was not sufficient to push it into the cylinder.

I am not telling you this is what happened, but I cant think of anything else..

if it is something small it could get blown out the exhaust valve.... did you have any missing "parts" ?

LScowboyLS

you are supposed to have rags in those intake ports - where are yours, Billy?

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

35 years of professional training.... out the window

tlewis

Toke manifold back off started from scratch this time replaced gaskets Knox seems to be gone running smooth although I have a VSC off light showing up any info any help is greatly appreciated this car is a pain

LScowboyLS

can you have the car scanned at an auto parts store like advance, autozone, o'reilly, NAPA, etc. and post the codes here?