When I got my car a few months ago, it had a dead battery. When you have a dead battery, your engine will make a click click click click sound, but not turnover at all. [I repleaced the battery and the alternator was ok]

This starting problem is different. My car will not turn over or make any attempt to start. I turn the key and nothing happens. I see a little starter light but nothing happens. It will take 3 or 4 turns of the key before it will turn over and actually attempt to start.


By chance I noticed, if I slightly gas it while starting, it fires up right away.

Now my questions are, can anyone help me to further diagnos this problem from having to gas while turning the key in order for it to start... and secondly...... Am I killing my engine?

I dont want to prematurely ruin it any more or mess things up worst than they are. Is gassing while starting bad? I try to very lightly tap it so it doesnt go crazy with the RPMs, but are there negative side affects to doing this? I have heard its not good to rev a cold engine alot, [or at least someone that was mechanicly inlcined mentioned once] but what about what im doing?


Any reflections are welcomed.

thanks

 

What do you mean by nothing happen? Is there any sound at all from the starter( like a clicking noise)?.

 

"Nothing happens," as in nothing. No click, no attempt to start, no engine choke, nothing, as if I was not attempting to start the engine.

The only thing that occurs, is the little start engine light comes on, but the engine does not attempt to start. I have to gas it then press down, and it will begin to start.

 

You're saying that if you press the accelerator pedal, the starter then engages?

Without pressing the pedal, the starter does not run at all?

How many miles are on the starter, just for the reference?

 

I assume 148K on the starter, since that is the number of miles on the car.

The engine will start on its own without pressing the accelerator.... Somtimes. Its so sporadic, that I now just use the accelerator while turning to start it up quickly.

 

Hi there,I used to be a Lexus Tech for 4 years.There are either 2 problems with your vehicle.If the engine does not crank at all then it is most likely the starter.If the vehicle cranks but will not stay running,then it is the IAC valve(idle air control valve).The IAC valve is a common problem on the ES300.A simple way to diagnose is to unplug the IAC valve before starting.If the vehicle starts with IAC valve unplugged,then it needs a new one.The IAC valve is located on the throttle body near the firewall close to the TPS.

 

Hi there, Lexus Tech, I'm having a problem with my Lexus es300 99,the vehicle cranks but will not stay running. this just started theres 150,000 miles on it. Theres a small knocking noise on it what should I do????????????

 

Go take it in to see a mechanic. A knocking noise cannot be good.