GS400Audra

Hello, my 1999 Lexus Gs400 has recently having starting problems. After taking a short drive like to the store or bank the car would refuse to start. No starter noise, no cranking, all quiet. All the lights turn on and the security light turns off when the key is in. After a while (30 minutes to an hour) the car is able to start up again, what could be the problem for the Lexus not being able to start after short trips?

Mcon

iTrader: (1)

Maybe your main ecu start going bad?

Mcon

iTrader: (1)

Also, check your battery and wire terminals. The battery terminals are not clean or tight and that causes a lot of problems with everything in the car.

GS400Audra

Where can I find the ecu start? Sorry I am new to my Lexus!

Edit: also I have checked the battery terminals and the battery grounds and cleaned them, maybe it can be corrosion in the battery cables?

Mcon

iTrader: (1)

First, welcome to the club and forum.
Second, the main ecu is in the right side when you open your hood. Immediately behind the head light driver side and has a black plastic cover. Also, maybe is your igniter. Is on the same area behind the ecu.

GS400Audra

Thanks! Will check it out first thing tomorrow and will update on what happens.

Mcon

iTrader: (1)

Good luck with that.

bruceb58

Check the cable connections at both the starter and at the battery. After that, you really need the electrical wiring manual. I have one and there are a number of places you should probe to see if you have voltage.

There are 3 fuses that you should be checking voltage at while you are trying to crank the car. They are the AM2, Main and Starter fuses. Again, you really need the manual to troubleshoot this properly.


Your ECM(Engine Control Module) has nothing to do with the starter cranking. It's not even in the circuit.

Could be something as simple as your neutral safety switch. Try starting it in both Park and Neutral.

Mcon

iTrader: (1)

bruced, I try to help this new member and you always made a negative comment to everything that I say and you in your comments see like others member as they don't know nothing. I have to say to you as tiguy say to you today, back off and if you not have nothing better to do, just state away and not commenting to put numbers on your list. You better go to another forum quiet and let those who really want to help another member and also make this forum as what has to be. BACK OFF.

bruceb58

Here is the scan of the start circuit. As you can see, the only connection to the ECM is used as an input letting it know that the engine is cranking.

Mcon

iTrader: (1)

Finally, you post something positive to this forum.

Mcon

iTrader: (1)

GS400Audra,

Check this thread. I think this help you a lot.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...-lights-2.html

GS400Audra

Another thing i forgot to mention, I have had the starter replaced a week prior, then this starting problem started happening. Loose connectors to the starter motor? Is there any way to check without having to take half the engine apart?
Also, after waiting a few hours to try starting again, the car begins to crank forever until i give it a bit of gas while cranking. Any ideas?

bruceb58

Yes...that should have been mentioned. That would be the first place I would look.

GS400Audra

Is it possible I can check the starter without dismantling half the engine to reach it? How?