Kevin85

iTrader: (1)

hi having a little issue of the car nor starting.
its a 91 with 118k on so i guess it was time for something like this to happen.
the battery seems fine since a jump would not do anything.
the car makes one click when you turn it over then I noticed the positive battery cable is getting very warm. after a little research the starter is in a bad place so its hard to get a look at.
I think its a bad starter but was wondering if it could be anything else before diving into the horrible job of changing the starter.


thanks for the help

LScowboyLS

yes, it could be several other things besides the starter

but first, don't jump start an LS400, it is not good for the electrical system!

now that we have that out of the way, start by cleaning the battery connections with a battery brush, and unbolt the positive battery terminal from the cable and inspect that joint for any corrosion - if you find any, replace the positive battery terminal with the part from the dealership (even a regular Toyota dealership will stock it, it is used on most Toyotas and Lexuses) - about $15 or so

then measure the voltage across the battery with a multimeter and let us know what that reads - if it is less than 12.5V then charge the battery with a battery charger or replace the battery and make sure when charging that both positive and negative terminals are disconnected!

Yamae

It is obvious that there goes a big current since the thick battery cable becomes very warm.
Sometimes locked up engine causes your type of problem too. Too much load doesn't allow the starter to rotate. Try rotating the crank pulley using a big wrench and distinguish the problem.

Kevin85

iTrader: (1)

I did not know that about jumping. the triple a guy that towed it wanted to try it.

the battery is brand new but when I go outside I will try what you said.
also after talking to a lexus shop they said check the ground straps as well if the motor turns freely.
I will report back with my findings

thanks

LScowboyLS

this is a great idea Yamae has mentioned, but make sure to only rotate the crank clockwise (when viewed from front of car) and never counter-clockwise - our engines do not like to be turned backwards

PS - turning the crank must be done with battery disconnected (so that the car cannot accidentally start), and is much easier to turn with the spark plugs out

I know you likely already know these three things, but the next guy reading this may not!

Kevin85

iTrader: (1)

thanks again you guys are the most help full out off all the forums I've been on for sure.
I figured disconnecting the battery but was going to google the rotation so you saved me that. I think I'll leave the spark plugs in since it was a pain when I did the tune up a while back.