gazi001

I had installed brand new Optima red top 34R few days ago. I replaced my 3 years old optima red top for above reason. But with the new one same thing. I checked it drain baterry about 50 ma. I have a link for starting the car (few attempts) here: It happened when I parked my 2000 RX 300 more than 1/2 days. What could be the problems? Starter or 50ma drain is ok for this? Please let me know your ideas.

99rx

iTrader: (6)

Try putting another type of battery in. A regular, non gel cell battery and see what happens.

gazi001

I tried with new Motorcraft battery same thing. My understanding with batteries going bad is that the starter will click several times or try to turn the engine over but will not have enough juice to do so. Bad starters will give a single click. Mine give me single click and started after few attemtps. I assume the starter solenoid and contacts. I will check when the weather gets warm.

hypervish

Next time the starter only clicks, tap it with a hammer and try to start the car again.

Baetke

My starter contacts went bad at about 134K miles, symptoms were same as what you described. Putting a new starter in is pretty easy but if you have the time, order the contacts and just replace them. Lots cheaper than replacing the whole starter.

Baetke

gazi001

Thanks Hyper, Baetke and 99rx. I found this for plunger and contacts: http://www.ebay.com/itm/STARTER-REPA...30829398025%26
I checked reman denso starter made in japan in Rock Auto about $115.00.

gazi001

I ordered starter solenoid kits (like plunger, contacts, gasket, spring) from Sewell Lexus . I will try to replace them. Thanks for your responses.

99rx

iTrader: (6)

Great, Hopefully that works out for you. If this wasn't doing this before the new battery, I wonder if the change in power from the old battery to the new battery had some effect on it.

salimshah

Remember to do a bench test, before and after replacing the contacts.

As 99rx pointed out, bad terminals/posts/clamps and weak/bad battery can give you the same symptoms as a bad solenoid. I generally try to get a junp and if that does not help, then it points to the solenoid/starter.

Also make sure the contacts are tightened in place and are absolutely flat, else you will get partial connection through the plunger.

I used my drill press (turned off) and the old plunger to force the contact to lay flat.

Salim

gazi001

Thanks Salim. I will do a bench test before and after.

gazi001

Here is the starter solenoid plunger, contacts, gasket and spring which I replaced today. I did the bench test before and after installation. All parts from swell lexus costs about $ 45.00 with shiping.

salimshah

So the before test ,,, did it fail?

for the multi-color painted nails.

Salim

gazi001

I did it fails. I will post some pics and details later.

gazi001

Here is the infos to replace starter solenoid plunger and contacts. Tools required:

1/4 inch ratchet or adpter with some extensions
3/8 inch ratchet with appropriate extensions ( at least a 6 inch extension )
9/32, 10,12, 14 mm socket
small flat head screwdriver, nose plier,tester and jumper cable for bench test
Here is the pic

gazi001

Remove the negative battery cable, then the positive battery cable.

-Remove the two bolts that hold the battery strap in the car, the one towards the front of the car has to be completely removed and the one towards the rear, which is on the rear of the battery, has to be loosened a bit. Now remove the battery strap

-Pull the battery out of the car and the plastic tray under it as well

-Unclip the MAF sensor wire from the MAF

-loosen the clamp connecting the top part of the airbox to the intake tube ( where MAF is)

-Remove top part of airbox from vehicle

-Pull out the filter

-Unbolt three bolts 10mm at bottom of airbox (inside of box)

-Loosen vacuum hose from rear of airbox and pull away

-After remove the rest of the airbox , you will see ground wires running along the back through a clip. Remove the ground bolt where these grounded to the vehicle
-You should now see the starter on the side of the engine
-There are two bolts 14mm R/L side of the starter that need to be remove.

-After these bolts are out, you should be able to pull the starter out a bit, but not completely as there are two sets of wires going to it. There is a plug in wire on one left side and a bolted in power wires right side of the starter.
-Slightly turn the starter both way so you can get better access to these connections. You will need a ratchet on one of them and the other side plug in, but you could use the flathead to remove. There is a cover to the right side with the larger cables that unclips and you can move it out of the way.
-After wires are removed, the starter will just pull out of the vehicle.

Follow this link to replace the starter solenoid plunger, contacts: After you replace the solenoid kits install the starer reverse way. Make sure and very carefull about the starter plunger cover three bolts which are very soft like IACV bolt. Donot over tight it will break. Here are some pics.