The starter in my 98 LS400 will not engage every time. You can hear the solonoid engaging but it won't crank the engine. The battery has been replaced, and the connections near the battery cleaned and checked. I want to think that it is a connection problem as there are times that the starter works just fine. No hestitation or sluggishness at all. Is the starter cable from the battery a continuous cable? Is the connection at the starter accessible without having to lift the intake? Thanks for your help.

 

Let me see, without you telling us, I'll bet that you have 115K miles on your 98 LS. It's amazing how consistent the starter fails on the 98 LS. I really doubt it's anything else, especially since you've already replaced the battery. Do a search, this is a common failure and Grand LS has the detailed write up and pictures on how to do it.

 

It really means the starter is on its way out. Sometimes the starter goes out ALL AT ONCE (like in my case) and sometime it goes out gradually. Right now its going to keep finding a contact point till there is none.

I'm not sure how much of a DIY person you are, but i've did a DIY thread with pics, and all the parts you need for the specific 98-00 models.

NOTE: You cannot really access the connection without removing the Intake.

 

Mine would mess up for 2 days and be perfect for the next 2 weeks, I eventually replaced the starter in my 99LS at Pro-care Auto in Md., It cost me $800.00 + Change, I did it with the complete Brake job and 90K service. You know I would be keeping the car for a while.

Good Luck

 

Thanks I will check out the pics and see if I am up to the task.
Since owning 2 LS400's I have been impressed with the engineering. This starter under the intake makes me wonder. How much balance does a car this size need?

 

Pm'd back....