I did the search, and I think given my circumstances, it seems most likely that it's the solenoid or the relay giving me the issues (the starter has no trouble turning over and getting ignition otherwise, doesn't sound stressed or "in trouble" )


In order for the solenoid to be replaced, does that involve removing the whole starter too? Looking around the threads available it looks like that job alone might be something I might screw up...

I couldn't find it in the DIY thread either...

 

Are you getting a "slight" delay before you car turns over? i have been having the same problems. Luckily for me, I work at a Lexus dealership and my tech buddy said that it's the starter contacts. It is within the solenoid. I ordered the parts and it cost me $10 total. My buddy is going to rebuild my starter for me.

The starter is under the intake. It will have to be taken out to replace parts on it or to rebuild it. Labor intensive, but cheap part.

Hope this helps a bit.

Homer

 

hot diggety...

definitely labor intensive it is..


no, not a delay, if it doesn't start, just a click when i turn the key, and then nothing. but for some miraculous reason it just starts right up again in a bit.

 

It's like one click then nothing, right? The after a bit it just starts right up.

It's the contacts. My buddy played with my key for a bit one evening, since then, it's started everytime. Just turn your key then turn it off again, several times. It might work, it worked for me.

Homer

 

Sounds like the contacts...

Problem is the location of the starter requires you to pull off the intake manifold. Labor $$$$. If you're cheap (like me) you can also get an independent Toyota guy to do it b/c the GS400 engine is basically the Toyota Tundra engine.

My advice is to put in a rebuilt starter plus any extra parts while you've got the manifold off. B/c of where the starter motor is in the engine, it gets hot and has a shorter than normal shelf life...This is a repair you will need to do every 80K-110K+ miles or so....

Scary b/c you have the same car I do...Let me know if you find a good guy in SD for the work...

 

I'm in torrance for break...

so and my car has a shade over 110K miles right now, so I'm guessing it'll just be better to put in a rebuilt/new OEM starter.

how much will a rebuilt/remanufactured Denso starter cost for the GS400? I don't want to end up with a cheap-o brand and have to do this again sooner than I need to...

 

I have done this starter in 3 different Lexus vehicles. 2 GS400's and 1 LS400. The LS400 was FAR more complicated due to the way the heater hoses are configured near the firewall out back.

The GS's will require removal of the intake manifold and replacement of the two intake manifold gaskets and the two water gaskets out back on the water manifold. The water manifold must be removed to gain access to the 2 bolts out back on the starter. The fuel line going to the fuel rack will have to be disconnected on the fender, and all injector electrical connections will have to be disconnected as well. The electrical harness for all 8 spark plugs have top be disconnected too, as well as a few vacuum lines and vacuum components with electrical connections. It really is not bad.

Due to the sheer amount of work necessary to do this job, a remanufactured starter should be used to replace the original starter. Toyota doesn't generally sell the solenoid separately, electing to sell the whole unit. The internal parts are available in places like Pep Boys and the like.

You can get also cheaper starters from Pep Boys, Autozone, and the like. They may be good, but anything is a gamble. The Toyota starters are rebuilt to factory standards. I changed mine in 2006 on my existing 1999 GS400, and it has been flawless since then. The old starter will have to be turned in when you get the new replacement. I believe there is a 30 dollar core.

Carson Toyota in Carson, Ca has great prices for lexus owners. I think I paid about 230.00 and got 30 bucks back when the old starter was turned in. It is not the cheapest, but I think the Toyota starter is the best. Say you are a member of clublexus. See Miguel or Bobby in retail parts.

Remember the starter has been in the car for 8 years or so, and changing just the solenoid contacts still results in an 8 year old starter. You should only have to change the starter every 8 years or so as long as you keep a good battery, tight connections, and a good alternator.

Give me a call if you want some pointers on how to change that beast. I am in San Diego, and I visit LA and Long Beach every week. I did mine in 2 hours on a COLD engine. A WARM or HOT engine will give you fits, because everything is hot to the touch. I let mine cool overnight and tackled it the next day.

DO NOT disassemble the intake manifold in pieces. You will need gaskets for that too. Take it off as one assembly by removing the 10 bolts that screw straight down into the heads in the center.

Some holes may be partially covered by sand and grit depending on how dirty your engine is. A long extension is recommended. I used air tools to take everything off, and screwed everything back in manually. It is also a good time to clean your throttle body, since you have to pull it BACK from the rest of the intake manifold.

Pm' me and I'll give you my cell phone number. I've done 2 timing belts and water pumps as well.

Good luck

 

Here is a link to help you rebuild your old starter and save lots of cash.


http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

 

FYI - You do not need to remove the water pipe at the back of the block to get the starter out. Also, you can re-use the intake gaskets.

 

Sure you CAN reuse the intake manifold gaskets, but when you go that far, why scrimp? We are talking about 30 extra bucks here. You are taking quite a chance with intake manifold leakage of vacuum.

NO, you don't HAVE to remove the water manifold out back to get to the two starter bolts, but I assure you it will be harder to get them out and back in. I'll change my comments to "COULD" be removed instead of "MUST".

The angle to the bolts below with the water manifold in place is different. Some folks have had to bend a wrench to get around the manifold. 4 nuts and 2 gaskets are all that's needed to have easier access to the starter.

When I wrote up my instructions, I wrote them in a way that affords the mechanic the easiest way to get to where you need to go in my opinion. If you choose not to go that route and reuse old parts, or want to work around components, by all means go any way that you like.

There is always another way to do things. Mine is not the only way. If you want to do just the solenoid contacts, go for it. They will be fixed and then the brushes could go out requiring you to go back in and put new brushes in. I don't like repeat work.

If you ever do a 98 and above LS400 / 430 without moving that water manifold, you are going to have a lot of fun. The GS has a hose on each end of that water manifold, but the LS has the hoses right in the area you need to be in to get the bolts out. The heater shutoff valve is right there.

All your criticisms were constructive, and I take them that way. I'll just do it my way.

Thanks for your input.

 

I'm at 123k on the original. I'll probably DIY...how hard would you rate the work 1 to 10??

 

A 4. You can do it.

 

I agree. About a 4. There are many tutorials on the Clublexus website. Many of us have done it ourselves with no problems and a great sense of satisfaction that we didn't get taken by the MAN.

 

I have the exact same problem. So if it is the contacts. Where are they located, and how do you fix that - Do I buy new ones or can you fix the current ones? I am getting my starter replaced soon, and would like to get everything starter-related replaced along with it.

 

Since I'm local to Carson Toyota, I just ordered the starter and the 4 gaskets i need for quite good prices!

Lexus charged me $32 for the intake manifold gaskets...but Carson Toyota does them for $27.

and $6 for the gaskets Lexus does $10 for. hurray Club Lexus.