LexusFan10

Good Morning everyone,

I am new to Club Lexus.

This morning I attempted to start my car and it wont. When I turn the key the lights on the dash board light up and I can switch gears but the car wont start. The security light on the left keeps flashing (Im not sure it used to do that when that when Im in the car). I had the batter changed about a year ago so I dont think that is the problem.

Any help you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated before I have to have it towed to the mechanic.

Thanks..

bob2200

Welcome to ClubLexus.

Just a wild guess: the contacts on the starter solenoid are a usual cause. Do a search on the forum for further information. The contacts themselves can be replaced, from what I've read on this forum.

trhs75

Do the headlights and radio work? If they don't and/or the clock resets to 1:00, my bet is on a dead battery. That's the extent of my knowledge -- bob220 may be correct!

JAB

Since your car is a 2000 chances are good you have at least 100K on it. In my opinion, your problem is the starter; the contacts do go bad at that mileage. The contacts will cost you $7.00 and an hour of your time assuming you're handy as a DIYer; otherwise you're looking at a $600 repair at the dealer. I did it to my mine at about 120K and it's worked perfect ever since.

thomas1

here is a site for the contacts which can be bought seperately at toyota or lexus...
http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/instructions.html

trhs75

I looked for a DIY on this but didn't see one -- any chance JAB or another could tell us how? The link above gives some general directions. I'm not sure if the starter needs to be removed first.

code58

Yes the starter does need to be removed. The starter on the RX is about as simple a removal as you'll ever find. If you have ANY mechanical aptitude, you should have no problem figuring it out even without a DIY. I'm sure there are instructions. You should be able to find 'em on this forum or the other Lexus forum. Also remember "Google is your friend". I'm quite sure I've posted the part #'s for the correct contacts, since there are several different ones. If you can't find 'em with a search, come back and I'll locate 'em for you. They were only about $5. for the 2 contacts and they were high quality. Shipping is extra.

JAB

Remove the battery. Remove everything connected to the air filter housing, then remove the housing. Starter is under the filter housing, and is removeable from above; I recall that I didn't have to crawl under the car, or through the wheel well.

LexusFan10

Yesterday morning when I try to start it the headlights and the radio worked, however when I went home last night and tried to start it again all the lights came on and then they did this flickering thing and went off and wont come back on. My key wont even work now to open and lock the doors automatically.

Im a terrible DIYer but I will atleast know something to tell the mechanic when I get it to him.

When I learn what the issue is I will definately keep you all posted.

Thank you all for your help.

JAB

Sounds like you are having battery and/or alternator problems.

Most mechanics are not interested in 'rebuilding' a starter.

jclrx300

I posted similar problem. The are right, removing the starter is about as easy as it could get (the hard part for me was the plastic cover for the terminal. After seeing a photo, it was easy). I notice my contact had some uneven spot. Used a sand paper smooth out the contact and it started without any issue.