eas1206

I have a 1997 ls400 with 139k miles. It's my second one, and I love these cars. Completely hooked you might say. I'm having an intermittant problem that is becoming more frequent. When I turn the key to start the car I just get one single click from under the hood. I have to turn the key a few more times and then the starter will work perfectly and the car fires right up. Sometimes it does it the second time I turn the key, sometimes it takes a dozen tries, and sometimes the starter will just turn for a split second and then disengage itself. But like I said, when it cranks, it cranks great. I'm hoping it's not the starter, but I have a feeling you guys might tell me otherwise.

Thanks in advance, Bryan

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

this is a well documented problem. probably NOT the starter its-self, but the solenoid contacts. I have had to do 3 of them, 1996 and two 99's... it is a lot of work but not to expensive. Lexus has a kit for it. I have NEVER had to replace a starter.and have owned 11 LS400's

sethjon

Depending on when the starter was last replaced I would bet its the starter. Although it could be the solenoid I doubt it.

sdwtchlvr

iTrader: (1)

Have the exact same problem with my 99 LS400. Had it checked out by Lexus and 2 independent shops. All said starter was bad. The most trustworthy of the 3 said it was the solenoid contacts but replacing the starter was recommended anyways. Cost wise the job is 80% labor if you're not doing it yourself so you don't want this thing going bad a few times. And replace with a Denso starter (OEM). I got a quote for $870 which was the cheapest of the 3. The job involves removing the intake manifold as the starter is right smack in the middle of the engine.

atlls400

Bryan

I'm with you on being hooked on these babies I just got through with the water pump timing belt tutorial ($$$$$) but I don't do them myself lol. I dread the starter tutorial $$$ man that looks like a royal pita. But well worth it.

Definiteky sounds like something loose or something

Good Luck

gambooby

damn im experiencing the same thing but not sure if i want to drop 800$ on it lol

sdwtchlvr

iTrader: (1)

Well my car is dead as of this morning. Nothing but a single click when I try to turn it over. Have tried it 50 times. And it's a holiday weekend so I'll be without a car till Tuesday at the earliest. Gotta get it done now, shoot.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

do it yourself: take this off, and there it is

AzHotLS

iTrader: (1)

Here's a great thread to read through:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...-progress.html

My posts start at 35. My starter is still going strong after 3-years.

rrgone

My '98 started doing this single loud click thing a few weeks ago. At first I thought it was battery time so dropped in a new one but of course that made no difference. It has been getting harder to start lately, but I saw a tip in another thread about turning on lights and accessories for a minute and then trying to start the car. So far that trick has worked for me.

Here's my question: Why does it only do this the first time the car is started in morning? Once started and driven for a while it starts right up - no click. Does warming up the electrical parts effect how the starter engages?

AzHotLS

iTrader: (1)

@rrgone, I think temperature has something to do with it but not sure how. My 95 started the click problem when it got colder so there's something about it. When it took multiple tries to get it started I knew it was time to fix. If you're up to trying it yourself, go for it. Lots of threads here with pics to help you out. If not, and you're in the Metro Phoenix area, I recommend you give Perfect Tune in Mesa a try, Robert is great. I use him when I can't do it myself.

Here's a great page for diagnosing starting issues:

http://www.lextreme.com/dx-starter.html

eas1206

@billydpowe Thanks for the pics and info, and thanks to everyone else that chimed in... I guess if I have to dig that deep into the car I might as well replace the whole starter assembly while I'm in there so I don't have to worry about it. It's a little trick I learned working on Harriers; replace as much as you can while you're in there so you hopefully don't have to do it again anytime soon!