I have a 2001 Rx300 and the problem started a week ago. when i start the car it works but once i let go of the key it just dies. I bought a new battery and it works, I thought maybe it was a weak battery. 3 days later it does the same thing again, My new battery is completely drain.

all my battery contacts are good, and the starter is kicking in when i turn on the key.

Any ideals?


Ge

 

Will it run if you hold the gas pedal down a little?

 

Yes it will rev but once i let go of the key to stop the starter from kicking in the car dies

 

took the battery to the o'relly (thats where I bought it from) and they said it's fully charged.

 

So you can't keep it running at all if the starter is not engaged even if you open the throttle? Is the CEL on?

 

Did you switch from Premium gas to regular or vice versa recently?
Sometimes Lexus' have attitudes with the stuff you give them.
Could also be clogged fuel line, fuel filter, maybe dump a container of fuel injector cleaner or gas treatment in it.
It could not hurt to try??

 

I second these questions. Sounds like it may be a bad ignition switch if it will die under all conditions as soon as the key is released from "start" position. Should be able to keep it running with enough throttle if it is the IACV. At least that should give an idea whether it's electrical or fuel (IACV).

 

Sorry I reply so late, I finally got it to run by jump starting and full throttle rev the heck of the engine. However thats how i got it to work the first time. even though i got it to run i still don't' trust it until i solve the problem, My brother in law and I are going start pulling out the alternator and starter to see if those are still good.

yes if i keep the throttle rev higher than 2 it will keep on running until it let go of the gas. no CEL is not on, I used a scanner and no codes return.

I have been mixing it, I took the car camping at North Dakota and been fueling 91 twice, then 89 and 92 (they don't have 93). I just did a full tank of 93 gas before it die(it was on 1/4 towards empty).


Will keep that in mind.

 

It's a little hard to fully understand but from this one answer it definitely sounds like it's the IACV.
There should be plenty of write-up on IACV's and how to clean or replace it. Just do a search. You seemed to indicate that it would stop as soon as you let go of the key and yet later indicate that it will keep running as long as you rev it. That's 2 different answers. Check IACV, sounds like that is probably your problem. I don't think the starter or alternator have anyhting to do with it.

 

I agree with Code58, this sounds like an issue with the IACV. I suggest cleaning it out first, and then see if your symptoms persist.