Engine won't start...suspect key chip?
 

We've got a '98 LX470 and this morning it won't start - won't even turn over. Just <click> like the battery's gone - but it's not (radio, lights, dash = all ok). This is with an original/master key.

Suspecting a key/security problem, I try to start it with the 2nd master key - same thing. When I go back to the first key, it starts. After letting it run for 5 minutes, I shut it off and try again. Nothing at first, then on my second try, it starts again.

At this point it seems to be hit and miss... is it the ECU that reads the chip in the key? What happens when the ECU starts to die? Since both keys were effected, I'm guessing it's in the truck, not in the key. Is there a diagnostic code that gets stored - if so, seems worth taking to the dealer. (maybe worth it anyway)

I've been looking for similar threads, but haven't found anything - anyone heard of this?

thanks

Lisa_LX

Your starter is beginning to go. The key chip controls the fuel injection, not the starter. If it were malfunctioning, it would turn over, but wouldn't start.

I had the exact symptoms on our previous Land Cruiser ('98). At first it only happened rarely, once or twice every couple of weeks, just as you stated it. "Click", try it again and it would start. At first I thought it needed a new battery since it still had the original one at 80K miles. It continued to happen more frequently, but I couldn't have it do it consistently. I took it in to the dealer and they had to keep it for several days to recreate it and they finally did. New starter.

Fortunately it was covered under an extended warranty, but if it wasn't the dealer told me that it would have been a $500 job. Apparently the exhaust manifold in the LC/LX makes it a b*tch to get at the starter.

Most likely the cause is a dead spot on the brushes of the starter and that prevents it from happening consistently.

I'm 99.9% certain you have the same issue.

GoHawk63, I think you're right. I've been pouring over this -and other- boards and believe I'm in for a set of replacement contacts if not a new starter. For what it's worth, in the Indianapolis market a new starter will run you $279 (parts) + $275 (labor) - while a set of brushes will set you back $82 (no labor - "we've never rebuilt a starter at the Lexus dealership").

I'm going to touch base with a local (and trusted) auto electric shop and see if they're willing to work on my fancy-pants SUV - I'm hoping I can get by with a set of contacts....

-Lisa_LX

Sounds like you're in the same ballpark of what I paid, and I live in northern Chicago suburbs. They never even offered to replace the brushes, just a new starter.

Good Luck!

George

I had the starter replaced on my LX 450 a couple months ago (courtesy of Lexus' extended warranty). I asked them about having them replace only the contacts (i.e. rebuild the starter). Lexus wouldn't authorize it. Would only authorize replacement of the entire starter.

I suspect I'm on the same path with my 2000 LX470, 100K miles and just a click every so often, but getting to be more of a concern. It only happens once in awhile first thing in the morning, after that its good for the next few days??

I think it's just the battery. The battery needs to be strong (properly charged) in order to move the starter, and not necessarily for the radio.
Check the condition on the battery and let us know what happened.
Thanks.

I suspect the starter contacts are worn. You'll just hear a click when you turn the key, or sometimes, the engine will turn over. Headlights work fine with the engine off, so there's plenty of juice in the battery. It will get worse and worse over time. Eventually, the car won't start, so you'll have to have it towed to the dealer. Unfortunately, the starter is located UNDERNEATH the engine's intake manifold near the back of the engine, so you have to pull off that huge, heavy hunk of metal and disconnect all those tubes. Then you need some special tools or tiny hands to undo the bolts holding down the starter. I new Toyota starter is like $200-300, but it's the labor that will get you. I think it's around $700 out the door for a new starter. BTW, the starter contacts usually last about 100K mi.

I had the battery checked out and it did just fine and its only 3 years old. Cleaned the battery connections as well. So looks like I will be calling around to check into pricing on replacing the starter and or replacing the brushes.