RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

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Old 10-08-07, 05:18 PM
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LiqrSicc
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Default Replace starter

Hey guys, anybody know how long it takes or how much it would cost to replace my starter. I already have the starter but I cant seem to find the DIY for it, and I'm not sure if I am mechanically inclined for it. Thanks!
Old 10-08-07, 06:12 PM
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DZLEXIK
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lol Do you know where the starter is? Thats prob the hardest part, just unbolt/unplug the old one and bolt the new one on. Should take 20 minutes.

And i dont think you would want to drive all the way to my dads shop on franklin blvd. to get it changed out, since its hella far from ur house.
Old 10-08-07, 09:53 PM
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LiqrSicc
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Originally Posted by DZLEXIK
lol Do you know where the starter is? Thats prob the hardest part, just unbolt/unplug the old one and bolt the new one on. Should take 20 minutes.

And i dont think you would want to drive all the way to my dads shop on franklin blvd. to get it changed out, since its hella far from ur house.
!@#$ I've got SC's stalking me Thanks bro, I got help and got it done. Vegas is ready for me this friday!
Old 10-10-07, 03:42 PM
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JAB
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Of all the cars I have owned over the years, the starter in the RX300 was the easiest to remove of them all. Simply remove the battery and the airbox (the housing that contains the air filter), then the starter. Extremely easy; first time should take you about 30 minutes.

Why are you removing the starter? If you think it has gone bad, chances are that all it needs is a new contact - a $7.00 part at my local starter/alternator service facility. And, the contact is very easy to install.
Old 10-10-07, 05:19 PM
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LiqrSicc
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Originally Posted by JAB
Of all the cars I have owned over the years, the starter in the RX300 was the easiest to remove of them all. Simply remove the battery and the airbox (the housing that contains the air filter), then the starter. Extremely easy; first time should take you about 30 minutes.

Why are you removing the starter? If you think it has gone bad, chances are that all it needs is a new contact - a $7.00 part at my local starter/alternator service facility. And, the contact is very easy to install.
The contacts were fine, it was the solenoid. The $120 spent to get a new starter and installation, to me, was well worth it. The whole starter was replaced and I got to observe and learn what to do if it ever happens again.
Old 10-10-07, 07:05 PM
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salimshah
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Originally Posted by LiqrSicc
The contacts were fine, it was the solenoid. The $120 spent to get a new starter and installation, to me, was well worth it. The whole starter was replaced and I got to observe and learn what to do if it ever happens again.
So was it as easy at sounded.

1. Remove battery.
2. Remove Air box
3. Remove starter.

?

Salim
Old 10-10-07, 10:04 PM
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JAB
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The contacts of which I wrote are the ones in the solenoid.
Old 10-11-07, 04:18 PM
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Kind of strange that Toyota/Lexus would use an inferior starter on their products. I had to replace the starter on a Toyota 4Runner and have had to replace a starter on my '99 RX300. These are the only vehicles out of 30 vehicles I have owned during the past 54 years that I have ever had starter problems. Also had to replace the air conditioner compressor, dryer, and expansion valve at 55,000 miles on the RX300. ONLY vehicle I ever had problems with the air conditioner except my wife's 2006 ES300 airconditioner had to have a new clutch switch replacement. I suppose I have been fortunate not to have had starter and airconditioner problems on the other vehicles.

This is what it cost me to have the starter replaced on my RX300.

Starter: $333.00
Labor: 149.10
Tax: 27.47
Total: $509.57

Yep, I thought it was mighty expensive too!!!
Old 10-11-07, 05:46 PM
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LiqrSicc
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yup it was simple enough. i felt bad for they guy, I failed to mention I had a second battery for my subs and he kept getting shocked and couldnt figure it out. oops
Old 10-11-07, 08:30 PM
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salimshah
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Originally Posted by LiqrSicc
yup it was simple enough. i felt bad for they guy, I failed to mention I had a second battery for my subs and he kept getting shocked and couldnt figure it out. oops
Don't intend to hijack the thread... but getting shocked?? With 12v battery and two of them hooked up in strange fashion can get you 25v (even that would be strange but I am trying to establish a ceiling here). For humans to experience shock you need to get to 65volts or so. If some one experiences shock on starter, I would be concerned as other electronic equipment may be being subjected to voltage beyond its safe limit [ecu as an example].

Now static charge build up is a different issue altogether.

Salim
Old 10-11-07, 09:31 PM
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thomas1
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Whoa you can be shocked by 12v, it is not the voltage but the current that can get you. I have been shocked by 12volts as well as 440 volts. The sensation is still the same, your body just acts differently depending on the current, and frequency.
Old 10-12-07, 05:59 AM
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As I recall from years ago, voltages under 50v DC are considered safe by OSHA, National Electrical Code, etc. (i.e., don't need insulation protection for workers). The reason for that cutoff value was explained as being that the telephone company used 48v DC for central office batteries and they set the value just above 48v. I'm not saying that you won't feel voltages under 50v, but they are considered safe.
Old 10-12-07, 07:48 AM
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edbro
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Originally Posted by salimshah
For humans to experience shock you need to get to 65volts or so.
Salim
Stick a 9Volt battery on your tongue and report back here the results. (Just kidding, don't really try it, you won't like it)
Old 10-12-07, 08:09 AM
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Lexmex
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Originally Posted by edbro
Stick a 9Volt battery on your tongue and report back here the results. (Just kidding, don't really try it, you won't like it)
You mean kind of like our buddy here from Buckaroo Banzai, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Adv..._8th_Dimension
Attached Thumbnails Replace starter-409869235_636b310a1c.jpg  
Old 10-12-07, 09:47 AM
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salimshah
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Originally Posted by edbro
Stick a 9Volt battery on your tongue and report back here the results. (Just kidding, don't really try it, you won't like it)
So the hijack has happened

To set the record straight it is the charge that gives the sensation.
The charge depends upon Voltage, current flow (current flow is dependent on resistance ... point of entry to point of exit and connection).

Talking about being shocked, I had a nasty habit of stripping wires by teeth and that stopped when I tried to strip a wire which I assumed to be disconnected from 220v. 9v buzz is ymmm.

Salim
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