So, the weather has turned cold, here in Toronto, and my 2000 RX300 has been weird on starting first thing in the morning. As I turn the key from run position to start position, it's only clicks once and no start. But will start after about 4 or 5 tries. And starting the rest of the day seems fine. I've eliminated that it might be the key, since I tried another key, same issue. And same whether in park or neutral, so don't suspect that switch. Charging system seems fine, no alt light, nor codes being thrown.

So, my guesses are:

1) battery connections, although they look good. Warms up Monday, so will redo anyways. Battery is only year old.
2) starter, something internal?
3) ignition switch ( the worst diagnosis, to me) cause I have lots of miles, and plenty of starts, and have to do that screwdriver trick every year when it gets stuck on accessory. But would think that then problem would be there during the day.

Any ideas?

 

Please read the sticky "Having problems start here mega thread".

Most likely it is the starter solenoid.



Salim

 

http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/instructions.html

 

How many miles? My 1999 RX has 220K and I have rebuilt the starter twice. Simple and inexpensive.

 

My did that as well and I had to replace starter. I was told starter had a flat spot..

 

Flat spot? BS. What happens is that the solenoid contact wears out. The part is $7 and can be easily replaced, but the dealers won't do it; they insist on selling you an entire starter.