94LexES

My car is having starting issues lately and can't figure out if it's the starter motor, spark plugs, or fuel system related.

When I went to go start it today, I turn the key and it made one crank and completely stops. Then when I try the second time it starts up fine. I don't know if any of you have the same problem but feel free to share if you have/had the same problem!

Bayliner

Rule out plugs and fuel. Neither will stop the engine from turning over.

mitmaks

How is battery connection? Make sure they're clean, no acid forming, and make sure they are tight.

94LexES

Okay and I haven't checked my plugs yet because I'm having trouble getting the stripped allen bolt out for the engine cover..

The battery connections are clean, it was cleaned when I got the car.

PFB

They may be clean, but are they tight? Try moving them by hand. See if they move.

Phil

Mythotical

As for the stripped allen try this. Find out what torx bit will fit into the allen head. Get the next size up and align it so it feels like it will strip but stopps with light force. Then tap the bit in carefully with a hammer and then you should be able to take the fastener out with the driver handle.

94LexES

Checked them today, they are on tight.

Interesting.. I'll give this a try

mitmaks

How many miles on the car? When it hesitates to start, does it click like it wants to start but doesn't start? I think this might be problem with starter.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like the usual 'starter solenoid contacts' issue.

mitmaks

thats what I was thinking. Do these starters have replaceable solenoid/contacts? I had similar issue in my 01 Ram CTD and fixed it by replacing solenoid/contacts

94LexES

I have 211,000 miles on it and yes on first try it gives one click but doesn't want to start. On the second try it starts up fine..

schmidy101

same thing was happening to me at about 198000 miles and it was the starter. Replaced it myself and all was good to go afterwards

mitmaks

Do they sell starter rebuild kit, solenoid/contacts? I would definitely try to rebuild oem starter than buying aftermarket chinese crap starter.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

They do! I believe the 02+ ES models come with a more modern design where it's much harder to rebuild the starter, so the usual practice is to replace. Fortunately, the 01 and older can be easily taken apart.

http://www.fostertruck.com/starters-...ter-parts.html

mitmaks

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STARTER-REPAIR-REBUILD-KIT-SOLENOID-CONTACT-PLUNGER-SET-Toyota-Dodge-Acura-/330829398025?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AES300&hash=item4d06f80009&vxp=mtr