LVPUNK

2004 ML. 97k miles.

Two days ago the car would not start. Battery was strong and so was starter. No CEL. Cranked, but would not fire up.

After a few tries it turned over. I drove it all day today and had no problems. Always cranked right up.

I did notice the idle RPMs seemed a little lower than I remember, and there is a bit of shake. I'm at 500-600 RPMs in drive. Is this normal?

My first thought was throttle body and or MAF sensor needs to be cleaned. Any other thoughts would be appreciated. All services are up to date, including spark plugs, air filter etc.

LVPUNK

Car started and then died immediately this morning. I cranked again and it ran fine.

I thoroughly cleaned the MAF this afternoon, but it made no difference.

No CEL.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

clp71220

How about the Gas? did you fill up just before this started?

LVPUNK

Not that I recall. The tank is currently full though, I always use high octane. I picked up some fuel injector cleaner, I'll put that in tonight just in case, although I don't anticipate it solving the problem.

rkw77080

Check out the link below, especially Post #2 for your low idle symptom...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-cleaning.html

LVPUNK

Thanks. I will get to this Friday and report back.

LVPUNK

The drove the car further the next day after cleaning MAF. It showed signs of improvement with idle and throttle response. I guess maybe I didn't drive it enough after the initial cleaning (just around the block in my neighborhood) to let it reset.

Friday the TB was cleaned. It wasn't that dirty, but the idle definitely has gone up. Sits at 750-800 with the AC on and 650-750 with AC off. SUPER smooth now too. I barely feel anything.

There is a little shakiness still at start up, but not nearly as bad.

I'm going to hope that also solved the starting problem-guess I'll see. Thanks for feedback.