ladytj318

ok hello im alittle new to this so please forgive me if i make any mistakes,

i was given a 1991 lexus ls400 its in great condition as far as exterior/interior but i cant seem to get it to start or turn over all the lights, bells, whistles, etc work but when i turn the key nothing happens
can anyone give me an idea where to start other then the starter,(been there done that)
thanks tracey

cobalt91

Have the battery tested. Autozone or O'Reilly should do it for free.

ladytj318

thank you for your reply, ive done that.
ive done all the basics to it
the general, my dad was a mechanic, (key word being (was))
so when i have a problem its been fairly easy until now
ive tested, unpluged, im just at a lost and need some insight please

Gene01

One common problem is the LS400 battery cables have a connection that corrodes just inside the insulation a few inches from the positive terminal itself. The corrosion forms a high resistance that will allow enough current to pass for the accessories, but not enough for the starter motor. Have the person that checked the battery take a close look at the cables. (I am assuming that he knew how to test the battery voltage correctly).
Question - when you turn the key to "start", is it really "nothing" or do you hear a click or possibly the engine cranking?

Yamae

Was an NST continuity included in your basic tests?
"No sound at all" is often caused by the NST.

Legender

It's tracing it out...
Key cylinder not working correctly?
Alarm locking it out?
No power to the starter due to corroded cables - does happen.
If attempted jump start makes no difference, then probably not a battery issue, but connectivity could be the problem.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Like has been stated you have to define what you mean by no start.
1. You turn the key and you just hear 1 click ( Probably starter )
2. You turn key and hear several clicks ( probably battery )
3. Your turn key and you hear engine trying to turn over ( could be battery, fuel, spark and some other issues).

1 and 2 are the easiest to diagnose. 3 could have you pulling out your hair but should still be easily figured out. The key is to know what condition your dealing with at the moment.

dicer

Key statement was, "It was given to me". So likely the problem was already figured out, and is likely the nice and expensive starter motor replacement. Not a fun or easy job on these cars.

technol

Put your master key in the drivers door and turn it back and forth about 4-6 times.. Then try and start the car...