i normally have to hold the key in the start position for a good 10-15 seconds to get it to start, or else try normally 4-5 times (turning key to start for 1-2 seconds, 4-5 times). i know this is kinda vague and probably hard to diagnose, but any suggestions? the car runs just fine. i always run 93 octane gas. car has fresh plugs, mobil1 oil... i drive the car hard and always leave it on power mode, seams healthy other than its hard to start. doesnt matter if it's cold outside, or hot. only time it starts easy is if it's been running and only been off for a very short period (10 minutes tops). TIA!

 

Sounds like your starter to me. Anyone one else like to chime in?

 

Not to jump cars but I'm taking my ack Legend to the shop for the very same thing today. Do you have a kill switch in your Lexus? Thats what I believe my problem is now. I had a back yard Alarm installer install my kill switch with a cheap switch and cheaper wires and I know for a fact (well 99.9% sure) that this is causing my problem.

 

Is it hard to start when the engine is cold or is it hard to start all the time with engine cold or hot?
It should be only one of the two. Hard to start when cold or hard to start when the engine is hot. Give more detail. Sould like cold start injector (the ninth injector) is leaking to me if it is hard to start when the engine is cold ( less than 100 degree F)

 

i think it might be your starter. had this happen to me couple months ago.. got a new starter and now it's starting up fine

 

I don't think it the starter. If its the starter, the engine won't crank at all.

How much did it cost you to replace the starter? How many miles on the engine was it? I may have to change the starter soon since the car has more than 154K miles on it.

Thanks,

 

jacobking,
It "could" be your starter is not torqueing correctly and therefore hard to start. I doubt it.
First off, stop holding the key for 10-15 seconds, you will overheat the starter and ruin it. Multiple 1-2second starts is much better.
I assume it's hard to start when it's cold outside AND the engine is cold?
Is there a puff to black smoke when the engine starts?

Check your vacuum lines yet?... Especially the line for the Fuel Pressure Regulator? I would also check the fuel pressure regulator as well as internally leaking fuel injectors

 

Nick T, yes, there is a cloud of black smoke when the car starts. I guess you could say the problem only exist when cold starting. Starter motor seems to be torquing fine. What do you say, 9th injector, thanks!

 

Jacob,
I responded to your PM with a couple steps you could take to remedy to situation.

Regards