seanl

My starter has been on the way out for the past 2K miles, at first it would just click when cold then start after a few tries. Would start fine when hot though. All symptoms point to a failing starter. There was even a recall on the '97 LS400 Starter, but it didn't apply to my VIN#.

I lived with it like this for a few months, and finally it got bad, and it wouldn't start hot or cold with less than 8-10 tries. It was about to quit. My car has 89,700 miles on it btw.

As I am swamped with biz travel and I don't feel comfortable pulling apart the top of my LS400's engine even though I am mechanically adept, I started looking for a competent independent repair shop. I spoke to several Japanese car repair specialists, a few seemed ok, but weren't really that fluent in the LS400 (I wanted to talk about the 90K service too). Most shops seem to just want to change the timing belt and water pump, even though there are many other hard parts that I know should be changed at the 90K service.

I found a shop in Redwood City, Kuno's Lexus Service, who was very knowledgeable about the LS400 in general, and knew all about the LS400 starter problems. The cost was $779 out the door ($400 for starter, $350 labor, + coolant, manifold gaskets and tax). Dealer wanted $1050.

I am happy to report the new starter works great, and the shop's work on my car was clean and professional.

I'm delaying my 90K service for 5-6K miles though, but when I do it will include belts, wp, tensioners, caps, rotors, plugs, wires, serp belts, and a few other items.

Regards,