I had a weird thing happen this morning, the car started and when I put it in drive the engine shut off. But when I attempted to start it again there is no turning over of the starter just a small clicking sound. Could this be the starter?

 

Can someone tell me what the problem might be?

 

Is this the right place to ask questions?

 

Have you checked the battery?

 

Just replaced the battery last month.

 

Replaced the battery last month, checked the voltage going to battery 12.25
volts. Checked voltage going to cable same thing 12.25 volts. Any other suggestions?

 

Almost for sure your starter solenoid internal contacts. If someone holds the key in "start" position, rap on the starter solenoid with a piece of pipe or something like that. If the starter works then or if you try the start position on the key several times and it starts, it is almost for sure the starter solenoid. If it is, and you have plenty of money, replace it with a rebuilt. If your pockets aren't weighted down with cash, and you're mechanically talented, you can replace just the contacts for about $10.-$15. The starter itself is so well made it probably will outlast you, the contacts are about the only thing that EVER goes wrong with it. If you do want to do it yourself, come back and I'll tell you where to get high quality contacts REALLY cheap. It's not a bad job at all.

Edit: You need to check, clean and tighten the cables 1st. That may be ALL it is if this is the 1st time it's ever done it.
By the way, that's pretty low voltage for a new battery. A new battery, unless it's run down some should be at least 12.6-12.7V on a 12V battery.

 

Did you ever clean the IACV ? If not do so.

 

We try our best to give prompt and helpful replies, but 3 post is 3 minutes may be asking a bit too much.

For troubleshooting, start with the simplest solution.

Starting problems (when you do not hear the starter motor turn) are due to battery, terminal clamp, cable, solenoid, ignition switch and starter.

Check the terminals are clean and the clamp is tight (you should not be able to twist it).

After this try jump starting.

Have some one check the battery voltage as you try to start.

If the voltage drops with each click, that means the starter is not getting enough juice, a sign that the battery is weak or bad starter.

If the voltage stays high 12v +, and you hear click then the solenoid is bad.

So let us know what you find out.

gazi's suggestion about IACV has more to do with the engine dying trying to idle. Lets get the starter spinning the engine first.

For debug, try to solve one problem at a time ,, so for now leave the IACV alone.


Salim

 

Here is some knowledge base on the starter contacts...
http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/instructions.html

 

+1....if you jump it and the engine cranks we know that your starter solenoid and starter is ok. If it doesn't crank, then vice versa. If it cranks and does not start then it's a whole different matter.

Use a high quality cable when trying to jump or switch batteries w/ a known good one.

 

after further investigation, it was dicovered that the Ignition Harness had come unplugged. $150.00 later the problem was solved. After all I did learn how to replace the starter. If you need any tips on replacing the starter on a 2001 RX 300 I will be glad to give you some pointers.

 

So, did you replace your starter, which didn't solve the problem, and then the ignition harnes? The original symptoms don't sound like a disconnected harness.

 

when you say ignition harness, do you mean the group of wires leading to the ignition switch? If so, did some one work on the steering column?

The little details as to what was done recently help in diagnosing the problem.

Salim