revan1000

We bought used '05 RX330 few weeks ago. The runs great and it's so smooth.
we love the car.

The problem is, it takes two or three tries to start the car.
We replaced the battery from Costco thinking that battery was causing it.
We were wrong.

It's basic warranty has expired and it's not CPO.
it has 34K miles and still under power train warranty.

I'm thinking about taking the car to dealer for diagnosis but at same time
concerned about getting ripped off.

The Car does crank with each tries. Has anyone run into this problem?

Update 9/9/09: Car's starting with no problems now, My mechanic thinks the idle sensor maybe the culprit. We're taking the car in this weekend.

We replaced the battery because the car/battery had to be jumped/recharged repeatedly after leaving the interior lights on for few hours, my kids were playing with the lights. We no longer have this problem

salimshah

If the starter is able to turn over the engine at a rapid rate, then it is never the battery.

What is the service history?

Miles, filters etc.

Dealer will always be expensive, but at times paying the higher per hour labor is better than paying for more hours at lower per hour fee to a less competent mechanic.

In any case you need to find a mechanic you trust to take care of your vehicle(s).

My personal experience is that RX fires right up (very short crank).

Salim

revan1000

Thanks Salim, I do have a mechanic that I trust.

I just don't want to pay for the work, if it's covered by warranty.

I'm being cheap, I guess.

bagsbie

if your car is under warranty, take it to the dealer. This could be your starter solenoid going bad. Do you hear a click when you turn the key? Is it weak? You might need to have someone try to start the car while you open up the hood and listen in. Better yet, just stop by your indy mechanic and have him diagnose the problem.

mandyfig

The starter might not be part of the powertrain warranty.

bagsbie

Certainly not but at least they can identify the problem (lexus dealer) and OP can take it elsewhere to have it fixed or fix it himself. Just a suggestion, you know.

mandyfig

You can check the Lexus website, under Owners. They will spell out which one is covered under the powertrain and also what's covered on the extended warranty.

Yes, the dealer should be able to tell you what's wrong. Then you can decide what to do.

revan1000

Thanks guys, I'm taking the car to a dealer near home.
Will keep you guys posted.

jomabu1

One other low cost try might be to use fuel injection cleaner. I use Chevron Techtron if I have starting problems and it isn't battery related. I think the injectors have trouble atomizing the fuel and this helps. What brand of fuel do you use?

revan1000

We've putting in Shell's high grade gas. It's the closest gas station near our house. And on weekends high grade gas is same price as the mid grade one.

bagsbie

Shell is one of the better gasoline products, so that should be fine. Basically, if a battery is out of the question since it is brand new it could be a number of things: starter, fuel lines, fuel filter, coils (although bad coil will most definitely throw a MIL/CEL). Keep us posted on what the dealer service tech says.

mandyfig

When are you scheduled to go to the dealer?

kitlz

This may be for future reference but another way to tell if it's the battery, the auto close won't work on the sunroof and windows. I learned the hard way Fortunately I had AAA, tow truck brought the car to the dealer and the battery was replaced without issue at 48 months.

Did you buy it from a Lexus dealer? Hopefully they'll do the right thing. Good luck.

redrocks

Starter problems with only 34K? I've own Hondas and Acuras and never had starter problems. All of my vehicle had over 150K. Are starters known problems in Lexus/Toyota vehicles?

dhamaka127

If you want to get a little cheaper rate try Toyota dealer. See if they can find out the problem. But before you do the job with them just make sure what it is and see if they are 100% sure that they diagnosed it correctly.

Also, I have my 90 camry and it has 265k on it.....i had to replace the started a long time back...around....180k. so i wouldnt think it could be the starter...but if there is a click when you try to start it..then that would be the culprit.

Good luck