Help... Strange starting issues...
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: ga
Help... Strange starting issues...
Hi, my 2000 rx300 (124k) have a strange starting issue. When I turn the key the first time it acts like it's out of battery (brand new battery), all electrons on but motor won't turn. I have to turn pull the key out for a few second and turn it again (sometimes 3 tries).
it get worse on a colder day. do not have this issue after running the engine for a while.
any idea?
thx
it get worse on a colder day. do not have this issue after running the engine for a while.
any idea?
thx
Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
It sounds to me like it could be the contacts on the starter solenoid. This is not an uncommon problem and has been written about in the past. Some have located the replacement contacts as a Toyota replacment part, and have not had to replace the whole solenoid. Anyway, that's my guess.
Driver
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
From: MA
If you haven't done any work recently to cause something out of the ordanary, I would agree its your starter. When mine failed, it would click. Semi-Rapid turning of my key, and it would usually catch and start. It is easy to replace. It is on top of the transmission. Next to your air box. Do a search on "starter replacement" or something similar to that. Good luck.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 555
Likes: 18
From: PA
I had the same exact problem - battery fine but sometimes when you turned the key...nothing. Then out of the blue, it turned over after fiddling around with the key and trying multiple times. I ended up replacing the starter DIY style. It really wasn't that hard to do and if you have minimal mechanical inclination, you won't have any issues. I was lucky, my neighbor works at Toyota and I got a starter there for $190. As Barryst mentioned, do a search for starter replacement.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 103
From: Sacramento, California
Trending Topics
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 16
From: Ca.
You can replace the starter solenoid contacts for $10. delivered to your door or replace the starter with a rebuilt for about $200. The choice is yours, but I have had a number of the Denso starters apart and I can tell you for a fact, the starter will last the life of the vehicle, the solenoid contacts are the only thing that ever goes wrong with them.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: ga
thx. btw, I notice one website, suggest I replace the plunger with the contact. Is that necessary?
Also, can someone tell me why the contact will worn out? it appears to be a solid piece of medal.
Also, can someone tell me why the contact will worn out? it appears to be a solid piece of medal.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
derek97
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
8
Sep 6, 2013 10:24 AM
andyman32
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
24
Mar 20, 2012 05:55 AM
