Okay, so I tried to tap on the main relay, and my car did not stall, does this mean my relay is okay and my starting problem is caused by something else?

 

Well tapping it alone isn't going to tell you everything. It could be the relay, or it could be something else.

My acura legend just had the same problem. Fortunately, I was able to take out the main relay under the steering cover, open it up, and resolder the joint that was cracked. Hardly do the relay itself breaks. It's the solder joint that causes the problem. I haven't opened up a GS' relay, but I'm betting you can DIY fix it.

 

Since both of those relays are the same, Why not try switching the 2 , and see if that fixes it?

 

If you mean the two round relays, the other being marked DEF, I tried that...oddly, it would not work in place of the other relay ATALL. The car would not start.The relay was 16 from Lexus, 32 from Toyota. It mite be worth it to just get it.

 

oh it's only 16, i am gonna get it then, my mechanic told me it's around 50. wow big difference

 

alright when you guys talk relay, should I change the Stater or EFI? Someone even said main EFI...

 

Keep in mind mine's a 99...it looks nothing like what you've piced here. What car is that from?

 

really? I have a 98 GS4. Do you have a GS3?

 

I have a 99 sc300.

 

Mine is doing something similar (not starting):
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=323046

Did replacing these relays fix it for anyone?

 

oh that's why.

and Robbyh>
read the thread.

 

I did.. And was hoping the orignial poster who expericanced the problem would chime in as to if replacing the main relay worked..
So far the only symptoms mentioned here were no warning lights on (mine work fine) and tapping the relay while the car is running (which mine wont run so i cant test)

Since my local dealer dose not stock these I dont want to special order them (main & efi) and waste time if I dont need to.

 

it's like 12each. I'm tempted to go get one anyways considering the miles I have. I pray to the Lexus god it is, but the way mine's starting sounds like the starter struggling to fire up our good ol V8s.

 

Well I'm going to take a chance and pull them tonight and see if someone in town has them in stock.. Hopefully thats all it is.. especially since the ecu isnt throwing any codes..

 

Well, I'm not the original poster, but what about this on page 2?

I am really glad I stumbled across this thread...at first I thought what the hell does Honda problem have to do with ours??? But I looked for a Main relay and sure enough, I tapped on it after the car was running and it stalled out right away. In fact, after starting it again, I was trying to put the fuse cover on and every time it brushed up against the relay it stalled...So I bought a new relay today (I still have part number if anyone wants) and it cranked right up. I will test overnote and for the next few days and will report back.

Thanks everyone.