My 2004 Lexus RX 330 is not starting. Battery is new, alternator is relatively new, so I suspect the issue is starter-related. Could be the starter and/or the starter relay. Before I try to replace the starter, I would like to first try replacing the starter relay. To do that it looks like I would need to get out of the way the brake fluid reservoir. Has anyone in this forum replaced a relay in that car, and if you have, could you please share a few words of wisdom before I try to do the relay replacement in mine? All your help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

I have no idea why people throw money/time/parts at cars relying on "Hopium" rather than finding out what the problem is and stressing it accordingly. You don't know if the relay is defective, why not find out first? Have you done a search, did it seem the relay is a common failure point? I highly doubt that is your issue but have at it

 

quite simple: the car is 20 years old, therefore some parts surely need replacement. Replacing the starter relay appears to be simpler and cheaper than replacing the starter. Given that the problem is related to the starter system, I figured it makes sense to replace the easier and cheaper part, and if that does not fix the problem, replace the starter. Now, to my question. Could you share words of wisdom regarding the procedure to replace the starter relay?

 

Why not just check for power and ground at the starter wires? Never heard of a starter relay failing on these cars. The starter is located right around the air box and battery. Not hard to get to it to diagnose the issue. If no power is going to starter, replace relay, if it is - replace starter.

 

OP did you sort out the issue?

 

My RX suddenly did not want to start. Since my battery was 5 years old, I replaced the battery. Still no start. Had my mechanic come in, he diagnosed it and says it needs a new starter. So he ordered the starter and let's see if it resolves the issue. Fingers crossed.