artiechin

Hi,

I have a 2005 RX330, 90k miles on it.
It's been running fine until last night.

Out to dinner last night, when I go back to the car, I turn the ignition key and get nothing.
So the car doesn't crank at all. No clicking either. There's a faint hum.
All lights, radio, power windows, seat work.
I tested the battery and it came in at 12.48v.

I'm thinking maybe the starter. But since it's a pia to get to it, i wanted to see if I should be checking something else first before i invest the time getting to it.

thanks for any help

dganapol

Test the battery when turning the key. It will probably go to nothing. Also, turn on lights and test the battery it will probably go to 10v. Sounds like battery.

David

artiechin

ok, I'll have to test the battery when trying to start.
Odd though, i replaced the battery about 9 months ago.

Another weird occurance. this morning, i try to start the car. again, nothing, no click, nothing. lights, radio, etc work.
I put the car in neutral, it starts.
So I turn it off, put it back in park, again nothing.
Back in neutral, starts.

NVAKeith

iTrader: (1)

There you go, you've diagnosed that's it's something in the "neutral safety switch" is broken or out of alignment. I don't know if the sensor for that is in the dash shifter or in the transmission itself. Maybe someone else here knows...

artiechin

ok so the saga continues.
Today the car isnt starting innpark or neutral. I tried going back and forth between the gears to no avail.

I went and got a new battery. Still not starting.

When i turn the key it doesnt crank, but you can hear a hum.

Harrijs

Did you ever find out what the issue is? I’m having the exact problem with my 2006 RX - 75% of the time it starts fine, random 25% of the time no start.

dykesgreg

my batter was testing at shop and they said it's good. Also charged it.

dykesgreg

Update. My car started in Netural when it would not start in park. After running a while, turn it off, Now it's starting in park. Wondering when it will act up again and what is worn or about to break. is it my neutral safety switch?

cfh13427

Hi, as a former Toyota tech, the first thing I always did was check the Voltage at the starter solenoid connection in both the Park and Neutral position while trying to start the car with a meter that shows the current.
If there is too much of a current drop while trying to start, the starter solenoid will not engage, or engage Fully.
You could have too much current resistance drop in either the Park or Neutral position, or No Drop at All, which would indicate another problem.
You could also have a bad starter solenoid or starter, the humming noise sounds like the starter motor is turning but not engaging.
So you see, the issue could be a couple of things, but until you thoroughly check the electrical connection at the starter/solenoid, and make sure there is the Correct Voltage/Current to engage the starter solenoid, then it's a guessing game!
Unless You have the necessary Tools and Knowledge, then let a professional diagnois the problem, just my 2 cents worth.

dykesgreg

thanks for your detailed reply! I will remember those tech tips.
You were right. Had it towed to shop and they replaced bad starter.
My old starter was only 3 years old, so i didn't think it would be that.

Anyway, have a great day!

cfh13427

Hi, a Rebuilt or Remanufactured starter is either Hit or Miss, most Don't last as long as a New OEM Starter, it's just the Nature of the Beast!!
Unless You Specify, to the Repar Shop to only replace the starter with a New Original Starter, they wil use a Rebuilt Starter!!
At least You've got it fixed and are back on the road again, Best of Luck!