Starter Help Help
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: colorado
Starter Help Help
I think my starter finally went out. Can I jump it or try something else. I have tried and tried to keep turning the key with no luck.
Is there anything I can try before I get it towed? This really sucks please help.
Thanks in advance.
Is there anything I can try before I get it towed? This really sucks please help.
Thanks in advance.
i just had my starter replaced... car wouldnt jump... there is a way to get it started but its a pain in the *** if u got a gs 400 cause u gotta get to the starter and bang it or something like that ..which is located in a wierd place... i had to get towed.. maybe an expert on here can help u
Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: AZ
It won't do any good to hit the starter, even if you could get to it. The problem is the electrical contacts in the solenoid get burned to the point that the solenoid can't turn on the power to the starter motor. You need to rebuild or replace the stater ASAP. It's really not that bad if you are a DIY guy. Otherwise, it could be up to several hundred dollars to replace on the GS400. I rebuilt my starter for under $60.
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: colorado
WTF is it? I went to the parking garage where my car was parked and had my gf jump it. Started right up I don't get it. If it starts up by jump then is it really the starter? Thing is all my lights and nav is bright and on when it's not starting so is it the battery?
Im really pissed I can't get this worked out and the bad thing is my gf drives a vw, I always tell her she should have bought a lexus now I look like an ***!
Im really pissed I can't get this worked out and the bad thing is my gf drives a vw, I always tell her she should have bought a lexus now I look like an ***!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 6
From: NT
It sounds like a starter to me.
Had to replace one on a LS400 (same engine; thus starter is also in the valley between cylinder banks) i owned not too long ago.
It cost me about $450, be wary though about the hoses that may break off from degradation of the rubber over time when they do the job; also a good time to replace the intake manifold gaskets (included in the $450 i paid)
End result, starting got quite a bit quicker (did not have to hold the key in as long), with little hesitation.
As for your GF, and her VW; Don't sweat it; eventually all cars need a new/rebuilt starter.
It's all part of wear and tear; Like tires and timing belts.
Had to replace one on a LS400 (same engine; thus starter is also in the valley between cylinder banks) i owned not too long ago.
It cost me about $450, be wary though about the hoses that may break off from degradation of the rubber over time when they do the job; also a good time to replace the intake manifold gaskets (included in the $450 i paid)
End result, starting got quite a bit quicker (did not have to hold the key in as long), with little hesitation.
As for your GF, and her VW; Don't sweat it; eventually all cars need a new/rebuilt starter.
It's all part of wear and tear; Like tires and timing belts.
Last edited by litesoarer; Oct 28, 2007 at 03:29 PM.
Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: AZ
It's the contacts inside the starter solenoid. They get burned from the arching when the solenoid plunger is pulled in, and the battery current is sent through the plunger washer and the two contacts to the starter motor. The contacts get high resistance due to the arching over time. The starter will work intermittently for a few months, and jumping the battery will help because you get a little more voltage at the solenoid contacts, which can break through the high resistance between the solenoid plunger washer and the two copper contacts that go to the starter motor, but eventually you will be stranded with a starter that won't work even with a jump. Trust me on this.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: colorado
So I fixed it! Bought the starter from pepboys (bousch) went on Craigslist.com and found a mechanic that moonlights and had him replace it for $175. Total cost $350. Better then the $1000 dealer cost and he reused the gaskets. Overall a good deal - now comes the lower ball joints.