1999 Lexus GS400 - Intermittent starting issue
04-28-10, 08:27 PM
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1999 Lexus GS400 - Intermittent starting issue
Hello everyone,
I have read many posts on the various intermittent starting issues that can plague our cars, however I have one that is quite unique. About 2.5 months a go I replaced the starter as it was on it's last set of turns, and I purchased a new battery as well.
The car was starting normally until last week, when I noticed that I would turn the key and I would hear only one click. I backed out of the turn in the ignition and proceeded to start the car again and then it started up fine.
It has since become a 'normal' thing, and I'm stumped as to what could be causing this. The starter is a rebuilt unit, so I'm under the opinion that it is working fine.
Both car keys have strong batteries, the starter relay clicks when trying to turn the engine over, and there are no warning lights.
Has anyone ever encountered this issue before? Thanks ahead for any advice or opinions on the matter.
V.
I have read many posts on the various intermittent starting issues that can plague our cars, however I have one that is quite unique. About 2.5 months a go I replaced the starter as it was on it's last set of turns, and I purchased a new battery as well.
The car was starting normally until last week, when I noticed that I would turn the key and I would hear only one click. I backed out of the turn in the ignition and proceeded to start the car again and then it started up fine.
It has since become a 'normal' thing, and I'm stumped as to what could be causing this. The starter is a rebuilt unit, so I'm under the opinion that it is working fine.
Both car keys have strong batteries, the starter relay clicks when trying to turn the engine over, and there are no warning lights.
Has anyone ever encountered this issue before? Thanks ahead for any advice or opinions on the matter.
V.
05-09-10, 10:32 AM
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Hi Guys, I had tried the most plausible test and that was starting the car in Neutral. Again the same starting symptom occurred. I suspect the culprit is the ignition switch or the key lock itself as a quick turn from ACC2 to start yields a perfect startup. A slow switch from ACC2 to start yields the infamous one "click" sound.
It could very well be that the contacts in the switch are worn out or the tumblers in the key lock are not seating in the grooves of the key to make the necessary "hand shake" between the starter kill ecu and the chip in the key.
At this point it's time to take the car back to the mechanic and have them diagnose the issue.
Thanks to all you guys for the needed input.
V.
It could very well be that the contacts in the switch are worn out or the tumblers in the key lock are not seating in the grooves of the key to make the necessary "hand shake" between the starter kill ecu and the chip in the key.
At this point it's time to take the car back to the mechanic and have them diagnose the issue.
Thanks to all you guys for the needed input.
V.
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05-22-10, 09:37 PM
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Hi guys, with the suggestion from my cousin here is a link to a video file, to the issue I am still having: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyBIQC7027Q
The very specific "click-clock... click-clock" is my starter trying to engage, followed by a successful start. This is not the fault of the starter relay nor the neutral safety switch, as both were checked out to be working fine.
The starter I have in there is remanufactured, and it is not from a Toyota parts bin. It's from a 3rd party, but despite the simplicity of how a starter works (the quality of the solenoid, plunger, etc.) is what determines a good starter
None the less, the car is going back to my mechanics on Wednesday to have the starter replaced and a I will "explain" to him that nothing but the best is going back in. Seeing that my mechanic is a Master Mechanic and my cousin, I think he'll do the right thing.
I had checked on Sewell Lexus and they sell remanufactured OEM starters, and it's CAD $335.00. Now that's including freight and taxes! It's a pretty good price, so if I can get my cash back for the rebuilt starter, I will definitely order this one out.
A word of caution, I had to replace the positive lead terminal because the OEM one was not tight against the battery post; it's 5 min job. You guys should all inspect yours, for peace of mind.
I will keep you posted of the post-post starter rebuild-install.
V.
The very specific "click-clock... click-clock" is my starter trying to engage, followed by a successful start. This is not the fault of the starter relay nor the neutral safety switch, as both were checked out to be working fine.
The starter I have in there is remanufactured, and it is not from a Toyota parts bin. It's from a 3rd party, but despite the simplicity of how a starter works (the quality of the solenoid, plunger, etc.) is what determines a good starter
None the less, the car is going back to my mechanics on Wednesday to have the starter replaced and a I will "explain" to him that nothing but the best is going back in. Seeing that my mechanic is a Master Mechanic and my cousin, I think he'll do the right thing.
I had checked on Sewell Lexus and they sell remanufactured OEM starters, and it's CAD $335.00. Now that's including freight and taxes! It's a pretty good price, so if I can get my cash back for the rebuilt starter, I will definitely order this one out.
A word of caution, I had to replace the positive lead terminal because the OEM one was not tight against the battery post; it's 5 min job. You guys should all inspect yours, for peace of mind.
I will keep you posted of the post-post starter rebuild-install.
V.
Last edited by ichiban400; 05-22-10 at 09:48 PM.
05-23-10, 02:10 PM
#10
Hi guys, with the suggestion from my cousin here is a link to a video file, to the issue I am still having: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyBIQC7027Q
The very specific "click-clock... click-clock" is my starter trying to engage, followed by a successful start. This is not the fault of the starter relay nor the neutral safety switch, as both were checked out to be working fine.
The starter I have in there is remanufactured, and it is not from a Toyota parts bin. It's from a 3rd party, but despite the simplicity of how a starter works (the quality of the solenoid, plunger, etc.) is what determines a good starter
None the less, the car is going back to my mechanics on Wednesday to have the starter replaced and a I will "explain" to him that nothing but the best is going back in. Seeing that my mechanic is a Master Mechanic and my cousin, I think he'll do the right thing.
I had checked on Sewell Lexus and they sell remanufactured OEM starters, and it's CAD $335.00. Now that's including freight and taxes! It's a pretty good price, so if I can get my cash back for the rebuilt starter, I will definitely order this one out.
A word of caution, I had to replace the positive lead terminal because the OEM one was not tight against the battery post; it's 5 min job. You guys should all inspect yours, for peace of mind.
I will keep you posted of the post-post starter rebuild-install.
V.
The very specific "click-clock... click-clock" is my starter trying to engage, followed by a successful start. This is not the fault of the starter relay nor the neutral safety switch, as both were checked out to be working fine.
The starter I have in there is remanufactured, and it is not from a Toyota parts bin. It's from a 3rd party, but despite the simplicity of how a starter works (the quality of the solenoid, plunger, etc.) is what determines a good starter
None the less, the car is going back to my mechanics on Wednesday to have the starter replaced and a I will "explain" to him that nothing but the best is going back in. Seeing that my mechanic is a Master Mechanic and my cousin, I think he'll do the right thing.
I had checked on Sewell Lexus and they sell remanufactured OEM starters, and it's CAD $335.00. Now that's including freight and taxes! It's a pretty good price, so if I can get my cash back for the rebuilt starter, I will definitely order this one out.
A word of caution, I had to replace the positive lead terminal because the OEM one was not tight against the battery post; it's 5 min job. You guys should all inspect yours, for peace of mind.
I will keep you posted of the post-post starter rebuild-install.
V.
05-27-10, 10:12 AM
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Well folks, the intake came off and the starter came out. Today I received confirmation that the starter is dead. So the good news is that I'm getting another starter and that is the only issue with the car. The bad news, ill be expecting a click when ever I start up the car! Lol.
Thanks to all of you for the much needed feedback. Pe@ce.
V.
Thanks to all of you for the much needed feedback. Pe@ce.
V.
05-27-10, 12:07 PM
#13
I'm having this issue as well. It happened a few times a few months back. Just today it has become an issue since it takes quite a few times to start it. I'm going to look for the DIY for the starter replacement, but taking off the intake doesn't sound very fun.
05-27-10, 04:13 PM
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BROKEN_TSI:---- get it checked out, cause you don't want to be stranded. It happened to me this past Saturday and I had to get a boost - basically giving the starter enough energy to move. I've learned that the "click" will never go away, it just stops when the starter stops working.