Starting issues, some troubleshooting... but not much!
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
Starting issues, some troubleshooting... but not much!
Since I got the car (only 5 months ago now!) it has only occasionally happened that when I put in the key, all the power systems come on, turn the key, it makes one loud click, then the instrument cluster dies hard. It does not turn over. When I take the key out, the steering wheel still retracts. Invariably, when I put the key back in and crank the car, it starts up perfect-o. It has had "episodes" like this perhaps a dozen times, out of perhaps 150 times I've started the car since I've owned it.
Today, for the very first time, I had the car parked on a slight up-slope (which I rarely or never do), cranked the key, it clicked, and died. Again. Again. I tried half a dozen times. It wouldn't turn over.
I tested the battery and it's virtually perfect.
I "shook" the car forcefully later this evening and it started up like a charm.
The possibilities, as far as I can tell, are:
1) failing starter relay
2) bad starter solenoid
3) bad / corroded terminal contacts on starter
The thing I'd like to avoid if not absolutely necessary is removing the intake manifold.
Could it be anything other than the 3 possibilities above?
And - what is the location of the starter relay? I can't seem to find that info anywhere...
If it's not a bad relay I'm just going to take off the manifold, inspect the terminals, and if they're good, replace the starter motor.
Thanks!
Today, for the very first time, I had the car parked on a slight up-slope (which I rarely or never do), cranked the key, it clicked, and died. Again. Again. I tried half a dozen times. It wouldn't turn over.
I tested the battery and it's virtually perfect.
I "shook" the car forcefully later this evening and it started up like a charm.
The possibilities, as far as I can tell, are:
1) failing starter relay
2) bad starter solenoid
3) bad / corroded terminal contacts on starter
The thing I'd like to avoid if not absolutely necessary is removing the intake manifold.
Could it be anything other than the 3 possibilities above?
And - what is the location of the starter relay? I can't seem to find that info anywhere...
If it's not a bad relay I'm just going to take off the manifold, inspect the terminals, and if they're good, replace the starter motor.
Thanks!
Trending Topics
#8
Rookie
Thread Starter
Billy - thanks for the great pictures! Very helpful. I already started pulling stuff off the top of the engine. When you replaced the terminals, did you see any visible, noticeable corruption or defect on the old ones?
It would be a mighty big shame to go to the effort of re-assembling the bowl of spaghetti that is on top of the intake manifold then find out that the solenoid has crapped out!
It would be a mighty big shame to go to the effort of re-assembling the bowl of spaghetti that is on top of the intake manifold then find out that the solenoid has crapped out!
#9
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (1)
Billy - thanks for the great pictures! Very helpful. I already started pulling stuff off the top of the engine. When you replaced the terminals, did you see any visible, noticeable corruption or defect on the old ones?
It would be a mighty big shame to go to the effort of re-assembling the bowl of spaghetti that is on top of the intake manifold then find out that the solenoid has crapped out!
It would be a mighty big shame to go to the effort of re-assembling the bowl of spaghetti that is on top of the intake manifold then find out that the solenoid has crapped out!
#11
Rookie
Thread Starter
Supralaju - I found a terminal kit on carparts.com for about $18 delivered. It says it includes both terminals and all parts required to replace them. However, according to Sewell Lexus website the terminals retail for $15 each, so it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if I have to go get the right parts from the dealership after all.
#13
Rookie
Thread Starter
Hi Billy, I'm not sure if you have a different view or login for Sewell Lexus but the prices are about 50% higher than what you note above. Did you copy & paste those numbers recently, or back when you did the job on your car?
Carparts.com doesn't have the plunger, and also says the terminals were out of stock and canceled my porder. No other generic parts websites appear to have the terminals or plunger (I use rockauto and carpartsdiscount). They all have rebuilt starters but not the separate bits.
Sewell does, however, have a kit, http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...1999/4316.html (click "Options: Starter Rebuild Kit") that includes both terminals, the plunger, and two intake manifold gaskets, for $80 plus shipping. That seems like a pretty fair deal considering the gaskets.
I guess I'll order that kit and try to do all this work next weekend...
Carparts.com doesn't have the plunger, and also says the terminals were out of stock and canceled my porder. No other generic parts websites appear to have the terminals or plunger (I use rockauto and carpartsdiscount). They all have rebuilt starters but not the separate bits.
Sewell does, however, have a kit, http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...1999/4316.html (click "Options: Starter Rebuild Kit") that includes both terminals, the plunger, and two intake manifold gaskets, for $80 plus shipping. That seems like a pretty fair deal considering the gaskets.
I guess I'll order that kit and try to do all this work next weekend...
#14
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (1)
Hi Billy, I'm not sure if you have a different view or login for Sewell Lexus but the prices are about 50% higher than what you note above. Did you copy & paste those numbers recently, or back when you did the job on your car?
Carparts.com doesn't have the plunger, and also says the terminals were out of stock and canceled my porder. No other generic parts websites appear to have the terminals or plunger (I use rockauto and carpartsdiscount). They all have rebuilt starters but not the separate bits.
Sewell does, however, have a kit, http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...1999/4316.html (click "Options: Starter Rebuild Kit") that includes both terminals, the plunger, and two intake manifold gaskets, for $80 plus shipping. That seems like a pretty fair deal considering the gaskets.
I guess I'll order that kit and try to do all this work next weekend...
Carparts.com doesn't have the plunger, and also says the terminals were out of stock and canceled my porder. No other generic parts websites appear to have the terminals or plunger (I use rockauto and carpartsdiscount). They all have rebuilt starters but not the separate bits.
Sewell does, however, have a kit, http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...1999/4316.html (click "Options: Starter Rebuild Kit") that includes both terminals, the plunger, and two intake manifold gaskets, for $80 plus shipping. That seems like a pretty fair deal considering the gaskets.
I guess I'll order that kit and try to do all this work next weekend...
#15
Rookie
Thread Starter
Ah hah! That's where it came from. The individual parts are more expensive, the kit is definitely a steal. It's still exactly the same price. Nice.
Thanks Billy - I have a direction to march in!
Thanks Billy - I have a direction to march in!