96ES300 Starter Question
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: GA
96ES300 Starter Question
I'm having what I believe is a starter issue with my 96es300. Battery is only 1 1/2 yrs old and is good, connections are clean and tight. I saw another thread on this site that seems to fit the same symptoms I'm having. Turn the key and you might get a single click from the starter, or it may start fine. When it does start it's not a dragging start like from a weak battery. Most of the solutions from that other thread involved replacing the starter. One suggested purchasing a starter contact kit for $25 or so. My next step will be to remove the starter and have it bench tested. My question involves the contact starter kit. If the starter is found to be bad, has anyone found success with the starter contact kits? I've never been that route before but if I can fix the problem for $25 I'll give it a try rather than spend much more for a new starter. Thanks for any help.
Last edited by 96es300q; Oct 14, 2013 at 04:02 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 48
From: Montreal, Canada
Contrary to what you think, in my opinion, that is a Battery or cable issue and not a starter issue. If your battery is more than 4 years old, than its almost sure that it is the Battery. It may have an internal short.
Go to Autozone and have them check it under load. Its free.
If its more than 4 years old than get a new one anyways. Costco has the best batteries with the best warranties. Should be less than $80.00
Phil
Go to Autozone and have them check it under load. Its free.
If its more than 4 years old than get a new one anyways. Costco has the best batteries with the best warranties. Should be less than $80.00
Phil
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3
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From: GA
Thanks for the reply Phil. Battery is relatively new (1 1/2 yrs) and was tested at Advance Auto. They said it was good. I'll get a second opinion tomorrow at Autozone. The terminals are clean but I have had an issue in the past with corrosion within the battery cable. I'll keep at it until I find the problem. Whatever it turns out to be, it shouldn't be too hard to fix.
Driver
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 174
Likes: 1
From: New Brunswick Canada
I'm almost certain that you have a bad solenoid, where the contacts are, on your starter. I would remove the starter and do a bench test like you posted. A new one shouldn't be more than $200.00, tops, aftermarket. Often they can be rebuilt for under $100.00. Some kits IIRC don't repair the solenoid, just the motor brushes and some internals. I could be wrong. Sometimes the solenoid is sold separate. They're usually a sealed unit, no internal repairs possible. For me, if I rely on the car for daily transportation, I'd spend the money for a new or quality rebuilt complete starter. Hobby car is different though. Good luck.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 463
Likes: 2
About $14 worth in parts should fix your issue.
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
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
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: MN
When you start your car and hear a click and engine does not start chances are your starter contact are worn out.
What is the milage on your car, if it more then 175k replace starter or starter contact.
I am not a mechanic but happen to my car last year I replace the starter contact (cost $30) and my problem are solved.
What is the milage on your car, if it more then 175k replace starter or starter contact.
I am not a mechanic but happen to my car last year I replace the starter contact (cost $30) and my problem are solved.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 29
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From: Colorado
Don't get in too much of a rush to replace starter parts. I just replaced a 1 year old Interstate (which I always thought were top of the line) battery that shorted internally. Had the Advanced Auto Machine hooked up to my car and it all checked out good. After changing battery cables and almost a starter, I removed the battery, charged it out of the car and immediately took it to get load tested and it failed. Replaced the battery and everything has been fine since.
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Driver School Candidate
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From: GA
Update - Battery checked out good at Autozone. But upon closer inspection of my battery cables/connections, I found that the negative battery connection had split in the metal at the top of the post. The connection was clean but perhaps, because of the split, not as tight as it should be. I replaced the negative battery terminal connection. So far it starts fine. Hopefully that was the problem. Thanks for all of the replies - Lucas
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