Turn key to on position and if cel light does not come on then car will crank but not start. If cel light comes on with key in on position, then car will start and run with no problems. In both scenarios all other dash lights work properly. In the no start condition engine will fire with starter fluid, but fuel pump isn't activated. All relays are good.. no engine codes. Car will start after a few hours, or a few days.. Inconsistent. when it does start it runs fine for as long as I want, until shut off.

 

Prime suspect is EFI relay, should be a blue relay left hand side fender fuse block. To test this, when the CEL is working, shut the car off remove the relay see if that disables the CEL meaning no power to the ECU.

 

Rechecked and replaced efi relay. Same results. To me the biggest mystery is why doesn't the cel light come on with ignition on, isn't that just a bulb check? It seems to be on a different circuit from the other bulbs.

 

I'd start checking the ripple voltage as is explained in the FAQ page.

 

CEL should stay on until the the engine goes through the startup process and actually fires. Observe this video for normal behavior:

https://imgur.com/rDvOIE1

As for your issue, sadly:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...capacitor.html

>random not starting or cutting out
>often very hard to start, requires starting fluid
>check engine light on sometimes, but no codes stored, often in concert with ECT light

And above all, it's intermittent. These are signs of an ECU issue. Have you addressed it with your car? Yamae offers good suggestions on how to test, he's our resident expert on this manner.

 

Thanks all. I've seen the posts on capacitors but have dreaded that possibility since replacing those is not in my skill set. But I'll start by inspecting the ecu and go from there.

 

Thanks for the advice. I removed the ecu and found a very corroded capacitor. Now for replacing it, does anyone know of someone who will do it for a reasonable fee? Also any referral to purchasing the set of capacitors that would be reliable would also be appreciated. Thanks again, reading the threads saved me a ton over replacing parts. ​

 

I just did this twice, es300 and ls400. Ordered correct capacitors from Digi-Key and mouser. I found a local guy named Li with his own electronics repair. I kind of interviewed him respectfully. He did the job and I paid him double what he asked. I am lucky. I made this account to confirm it worked for me