08 RX350 hard starting problem
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: IL.
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
08 RX350 hard starting problem
Got a 2008 RX350 and mid winter started taking slightly more cranks before it started(cold/ambient temp). Has gradually gotten worse taking now many more cranks than usual before it starts(cold/ambient temp). When cranking, it's not acting like it's trying to start, but after a number of cranks, it just quickly starts like when it was new - except it takes many more cranks before it does start. It is quite noticeable. Took it to the dealer and they tried to say it was the gas from BP...yeah right! I think they just didn't want to deal with whatever it is. Any help where to start appreciated. Starter and battery are good. Air intake is good.
#2
Lexus Champion
Maybe its just me,but I find dealerships (not just Lexus) are always too quick to say; "We cant duplicate the problem!" That is a BIG turn off for me.
#3
#4
Got a 2008 RX350 and mid winter started taking slightly more cranks before it started(cold/ambient temp). Has gradually gotten worse taking now many more cranks than usual before it starts(cold/ambient temp). When cranking, it's not acting like it's trying to start, but after a number of cranks, it just quickly starts like when it was new - except it takes many more cranks before it does start. It is quite noticeable. Took it to the dealer and they tried to say it was the gas from BP...yeah right! I think they just didn't want to deal with whatever it is. Any help where to start appreciated. Starter and battery are good. Air intake is good.
I think you're just going to need to duplicate the problem again for the dealer. This time, find a shell station and bring your receipt for gas so they can't claim bad gas to be the problem.
#5
Moderator
Back to the problem. Try pressing the gas pedal a bit and see if the engine catches. If some how the idle is low, the engine after being spun by starter shuts off.
You can also try checking fuel flow and pressure.
I know you said the battery is good, but try charging it overnight ... a fully charged battery tends to spin the engine a bit faster. As the battery gradually gets weaker, our normal spin rate gets recalibrated till we install a new battery.
Salim
#6
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: IL.
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Unfortunately, battery is good/fully charged. Cranking is fast as normal. Idle is not low. It's not flooded. Would need to have fuel pressure checked, Especially prior to cranking to assure I have full pressure before start. I think I'm going to have to take it to the dealer if I don't come across anyone else with this problem, or a suggestion of something to check myself. I hate dealers, especially here. They charge like $100 an hour and then end up telling you "bad gas" (when my mom took it in).
Trending Topics
#8
Moderator
Unfortunately, battery is good/fully charged. Cranking is fast as normal. Idle is not low. It's not flooded. Would need to have fuel pressure checked, Especially prior to cranking to assure I have full pressure before start. I think I'm going to have to take it to the dealer if I don't come across anyone else with this problem, or a suggestion of something to check myself. I hate dealers, especially here. They charge like $100 an hour and then end up telling you "bad gas" (when my mom took it in).
The key in ignition wakes up the pump and you should have the pressure. There is a safety mechanism in electrical pumps that cut out when the engine is not running [but it does pump up the first time you insert the ignition key].
Now if you propose the pressure and flow test to the dealer and pay for the labor rate (yes more than $100/hr), they will run the test [pass or fail]. Follow the suggestion and run a bottle of red-line cleaner and see.
Salim
#10
Moderator
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post