I tried this before but somehow it got lost!

My LW has a '95 LS 400. When she tries to start it, first thing in the morning, first try....nothing. No clicky-clicky..nothing. She releases the key, tries again, sometimes it sounds like the battery is low (it's new just a couple of weeks ago) but usually it starts just as it should.

For the rest of the day it starts fine.

I have tried to simulate a low battry by leaving the lights on for a while, but unless it's the first start of the day, it always starts.

I suppose that there could be a "dead" spot in the starter, but I'd think it would happen more often than just on the first start of the day.

Do any of you have any ideas? The dealer wants $1,200.00 to put a new starter in it but, i'm not convinced that that will fix it.

Thanks for any advice,

Greydog

 

Sounds like your starter solenoid (switch) gets moisture overnight. This may prevent starting at first, or turns very slowly.

Then a few seconds lazter, the solenoid finds a good spot and starts from then on.

Have an electrical check done on the starter and entire system.

 

Had this exact same scenario. First turn of the morning, click or silence. After it was started, it would start fine the rest of the day. I checked the starter relay, battery...that left one thing. The starter.

Call around, if you are taking it to the dealer, not all of them have this repair priced the same. I was quoted $1,100, $950 and the one I eventually chose $750. With tax and my AAA discount, it was $700.

 

Thanks for your ideas.

I am hoping against hope that it isn't the starter. I am going to let it go for a short while in hopes that the LW will want a newer LS.

Hey, it never hurts to try.

Thanks again,

Greydog

 

Starter replacements vary, I had 85K miles on mine when it was replaced. Some cars, this is not an issue yet others it is. I didn't want the Mrs. to be left stranded because this invaribly occurs at the worst location and time...also the potential for damage while being towed was another.

Depending how long you have had this problem...the counter is winding down till it won't do anything. I'd suggest a decision in short order. Heck, surprise her...just take the LS "out for a drive" and bring back a new one. She won't complain.

 

I'm also experiencing starting problems with my wife's '95 LS400. The battery is new and I just replaced the starter relay ($50) but this didn't fix it. The starter installation is no easy job since it is buried in the engine. The problem seems to go away for a while after I clean the battery posts. Next, I'll check the ground connection.

 

Stock300,

Where is the starter solenoid located? Is it buried?

I drive a Volvo and do most of my own work, but have not done much exploring on the LW's Lexus. I know that I don't want to pull the engine to replace the starter, but I'm not opposed to doing some "shot-gun" troubleshooting if it has the potential to cure the problem.

Additionally, have you gotten any parts through www.parts.com? I have not, but am interested in anyone's experience with that site.

Thanks for your reply,

Greydog