RX 300 cold start problem
 

My 1999 RX 300 won't start when temperature is about or below 40. No cranks. No CEL. After some waiting and some more attempts it will start. And after this, car starts with no problem. No problem until it gets cold again. Checked battery. New battery, jump start doesn't change situation. Cleaned IACV. No changes. What else I can try to fix this problem?

IACV has fuel air -> run implications which has nothing to do with starter spinning or not.

From the symptoms (if I ignore the IACV) and limit to starter not spinning (even with a jump), till things warm up ...

95% is the starter solenoid.
04% would be condition of wires and clamps.
01% would be the starter itself.


If there is a large current draw in start (dome lights and horn fail to work) position of the key, then I would increase the odds on the starter.

You may try repeated (in quick succession) starts and if it is the solenoid, you will likely be able to start.

Do you know when the starter system was serviced last?

Salim

Did you find your problems? It is almost similiar to me. But mine start about few attempts.

Yes. I fixed it. It's my bad, that I didn't post soon message about my results. After some search in Lexus forums (not only RX models) I found that it could be worn out contact in starter. And Salimshah's replay was like confirming it. Thanks a lot, Salim! So, I changed myself that contact in starter solenoid and problem is solved. I found Dorman brand Starter repair kit in O'Reilly auto parts. Part #02349.

Salim knows his stuff. He's da man. :thumbup: