1995 LS400 Starting Issue
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: CA
1995 LS400 Starting Issue
Hey everyone I'm new and I've been searching the forum but can't find my problem.
I have a 1995 LS400 and it's been having trouble starting. I replaced the battery since it was old anyways and the problem still persists. I will go to start it and it will just click without turning over; the electronics turn on fine. In order to get it running I just have to keep trying to crank it. Sometimes it will start up right away and other times it will take up to 6 minutes, with the average time at about 2 minutes. Other than that I have no problems with this car and plan on keeping it as long as possible. Anyone else have this problem or know how to fix it? I read some posts and thought it could be the alternator or the starter but I'm not sure.
Any help would be much appreciated as I am incompetent when it comes to dealing with cars in general. I would at least like to know what the problem might be if I have to take it in to a mechanic, though I would prefer to fix it myself if I can find the resources to do so. Thank you!
Someone sideswiped me overnight so I spray painted it haha, couldn't afford to get it painted professionally.
I have a 1995 LS400 and it's been having trouble starting. I replaced the battery since it was old anyways and the problem still persists. I will go to start it and it will just click without turning over; the electronics turn on fine. In order to get it running I just have to keep trying to crank it. Sometimes it will start up right away and other times it will take up to 6 minutes, with the average time at about 2 minutes. Other than that I have no problems with this car and plan on keeping it as long as possible. Anyone else have this problem or know how to fix it? I read some posts and thought it could be the alternator or the starter but I'm not sure.
Any help would be much appreciated as I am incompetent when it comes to dealing with cars in general. I would at least like to know what the problem might be if I have to take it in to a mechanic, though I would prefer to fix it myself if I can find the resources to do so. Thank you!
Someone sideswiped me overnight so I spray painted it haha, couldn't afford to get it painted professionally.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,078
Likes: 87
From: Birmingham, AL
you need to thoroughly clean the battery terminals with a battery terminal brush (available at any auto parts store or even wal-mart) and I would replace the end of the + terminal with the part from any Toyota dealership (avoid the Lexus dealer) - it is around $15 - and clean the area where the + terminal bolts on
this + terminal is trouble prone
if that doesn't do it, your starter solenoid may be going, and unfortunately that can be $1200+ repair, and definitely only for a very seasoned mechanic as most of what you see on the top side of the engine has to come off (a nightmare job I worry about having to do someday!)
this + terminal is trouble prone
if that doesn't do it, your starter solenoid may be going, and unfortunately that can be $1200+ repair, and definitely only for a very seasoned mechanic as most of what you see on the top side of the engine has to come off (a nightmare job I worry about having to do someday!)
Last edited by LScowboyLS; Mar 15, 2013 at 07:45 PM.
Welcome to Club Lexus. Starter problems aren't fun, I've been there more than enough with ours. 
These threads may help:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...t-aint-so.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...g-problem.html
Billy's 98+ adventure but pretty similar for the 95-97.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...arter-lol.html
If you take it in, an independent is about $700. Through Lexus about $1,100.
These threads may help:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...t-aint-so.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...g-problem.html
Billy's 98+ adventure but pretty similar for the 95-97.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...arter-lol.html
If you take it in, an independent is about $700. Through Lexus about $1,100.
Last edited by RA40; Mar 15, 2013 at 08:22 PM.
This is not a highly skilled job... but it is a tough one and requires you to pay attention to how things come off, so you will know how to put them back. if you are one of those "I tear into anything" guys, dont come on here asking for help..... if you cant remember, take photos and you can look at them to reassemble it. plus YOU might help someone else out with them... good luck.
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