Sauler

Hello,
my Lexus RX300 (99) has a problem where when I turn the key to start it is completely silent and the car doesn't start (no solenoid clicking sounds). When I take out the starter relay and short contacts 3 and 5 with a cable while ignition is on, the car will start very easily. I don't think I have any starter problems, it always started effortlessly. I bought 2 other original relays and they don't solve the issue. Maybe there is something wrong where the ignition isn't sending a signal to the starter relay switch? Any help would be very appreciated.

salimshah

Solenoid relay needs is not getting the low current start signal.
Battery -> fuse -> ignition_key -> PRNDswitch -> starter

The PRND switch is by the transmission and at times if the shifter is not completely in Park or Neutral the contact is not made. PRND is the safety switch.

Salim

Sauler

Checked it and indeed the transmission selector wasn't fully in Park position. Thank you very much! Now it starts normally. My transmission got recently changed and the selector doesn't go as sharply into P,R,N,D. I sometimes have to adjust it a little so it goes into gear. Any tips on how to improve that?

salimshah

There maybe two issues or just one.
The gearbox has detents for each gear position and adjustment in the link to allow the shifter in right position for the selected gear position (detent). Then the switch has slight bit of adjustment at mounting to be positioned exactly in middle of the the selected position.

First make sure the gear lever crisply moves into the desired position and then adjust the switch.

Since you had transmission work done, I would go back and ask the shop to fix the issue for you.

Salim