FutureOwnr

I live in the Chicagoland area.

My LS400 was always a garage kept and warm weather vehicle, this will be it's first major winter and it has "ocassionally" not started until the 3rd or 4th turn.

It "clicks" once, the gauges light up, steering wheel tilts, etc. However, it does not start... Most recently, it took 6 tries to get it started... It is in "like new condition". I just replaced the battery in May 2015 from Lexus.

I've been told that my started would need to be replaced, but it's like a $655 job independentant and $800+ at the dealership!

Has anyone had the same problem with their car clicking but starting until the third or fourth try? Was it the starter? Also skeptical... Kinda love my smooth Lexus start up, from what I understand, all the starters are "rebuilds" even genuine Toyota/Lexus parts... I'm skeptical to determine whether or not I would like to get it done at an independent or not... Please respond quickly, I'd like to get it done this week if I need to as the cold weather is upon us Chicagoans and I was advised that as the weather gets colder, it may not start at all.

dicer

A first thing would be to check / replace the starter relay, located in the relay / fuse box, on the older gen's anyway. This is way faster and cheaper than the starter, but be warned it could be the starter solenoid it is mounted on the starter and is as difficult to replace as the starter. And yeah could be the starter too.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Yup. A clicking starter is on borrowed time, for it to take 3-4 attempts you are nearing that end. While it can still be started get in into the shop of your choice. Otherwise you'll need it towed. When I got that first click and nada, the car went in.

dicer

How many miles? Into the 220,000 mile range about when it can go, unless its a short run car then sooner.

randal

Sorry to inform you Future, but yeah, it is most likely the starter needing replacement. Has anyone else had this problem? YES. Absolutely. What you are describing is a very, very typical, common problem with the starter.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I just changed mine a couple months ago and it died without warning so If I was you I would start budgeting for the repair. If your mechanically inclined maybe you could tackle it on your own.

Scratchy

Who wins the Superbowl this season? I have some bets to place.

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

Unfortunately for you, even if it was 80 degrees it wouldn't help your failing starter much. As others have said it sounds like yours is on its last legs. I went through the same situation about a month ago. If you are willing to remove the top half of the engine you can DIY this job. If not - get ready to take it in the shorts when you pay for this labor-intensive repair. A Toyota dealer here in CA did my '98 and it cost $900. And yes, that was with a rebuilt starter going back in! Good luck.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

well I hate to give bad advice, but since my nephew is my mechanic..... he said he has repaired 6 or 8 of them and has NEVER had to replace a starter, just the solenoid contacts and on July 31, 2010 he replaced mine on my white 99 and we are still driving it and it is starting parfect..... in 2012 he done my other one and it was also starting perfect when I sold it last month.... so I trust Jon and would just replace the solenoid UNLESS I was having to PAY and then get a starter.. it tales Jon about 4 hours and we used new gaskets on the first but did not need to, they were good..

randal

Nice pics, Billy. I think a miracle must occur between pics 2 and 3 because it 'aint' that easy. You have wiring harnesses, connectors and injectors to contend with. But yeah, replacing the solenoid contacts without removing the complete starter is probably good enough and will save quite a lot of headache.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

Oh I just left one out trying not to take up too much room