I recently got this 02 es 300 coming up on 90k miles from my grandparents, after they bought a shiny new Volvo. Pretty beat up, but it runs mostly fine other than a squeaking belt (going to get that checked out soon). Anyway, recently its starter has started acting up. Turning the key will only sometimes start the engine. Other times, I hear a single click, like a relay switching, and then nothing. Putting the key into the II position, everything turns on correctly, AC works, etc.

But despite all of that, the remote starter works every time. Where is this problem, and how can I fix it?

 

If the remote starter works EVERY time, then this indicates that the ignition switch at the key or relay is the problem, not the actual starter itself. Check the ignition relay or wiring of the remote starter.

Where is the clicking sound, under the dash or within the hood somewhere? Is it a single click sound?

 

Yeah, it's a single click sound when I turn the key to start, and another single click when it turns back to II. It is coming from the dash, there's no change in the engine compartment.

Jesus this car is annoying, I've been running around all morning trying to get a lock nut off; my key is stripped. And there's a bubble in the tire.

 

Have a shop temporarily weld a socket onto the nut and zip it off with an impact gun.

 

I got midas to do all 4 for 20 bucks. Finally replaced the tire. Now I just need to find 4 lugnuts to put back in.