Xterminate

Guys, what do I look for when checking to see what the problem is if my lexus sometime doesn't want to start? Could it be the 6 spark plugs, battery, or alternator? or what else?

cause sometimes when I turn the key to start the car, it just won't start but after like 1 minute "rest" I crank it back up it start.

92ESRick

does it crank and not start? does it do nothing when you turn the key? i'm going to speculate negative to the battery, alternator and the plugs being bad until I see more information. it could be a myriad of things, try and explain in detail what is going on.

If it's not cranking at all or making a strange sound or clicking, check and clean the connections to/and the battery terminals with baking soda and/or a battery terminal cleaner thing (male wire brush on one end and a female wire brush on the other.) or simply just a small wire brush. In a pinch coca cola will work instead of baking soda, just gets a little sticky

BadViper22

Check to make sure your injectors aren't clogged.

mcelligott

Answer these first...it may be a dirty IAC valve if it cranks and does not start...very common on older ES's.

Xterminate

it cranks but then it shuts down right away, sometime it start when it crank but last for like 2 sec then shuts off

BadViper22

Do what mcelligot says first, then check for any vacuum leaks in your intake.

Xterminate

ok i went to the autozone people and they check my battery, alternator and both are working great. Should I now bring it to a lexus specialist to take a look to see if the spark plugs need to be replaced?

Also if it do, is it better to get the dealership (stock) spark plugs, or I can get some iridium spark plug from like bosch or denton at autozone?

92ESRick

spark plugs would be the last thing I'd do to fix it. Intermittent problems like your having do not indicate plug problems whatsoever. If you feel the need to replace them just to replace them, by all means, but I'd bet anything it is not going to fix your intermittent starting issue. I use factory recommended plugs personally, all the others seem like hype to me and make no difference in performance, longevity, etc...

92ESRick

Did you clean the IAC yet? I'd do that before taking it to a dealer. If you do not feel comfortable doing so then definitely take it to a specialist.

Xterminate

how do I clean the IAC ? for a 98 es300 and where is it located

92ESRick

Here is the thread I sent in a pm, hopefully it will help others:

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...howtopic=30723

I typically use throttle body cleaner versus carb cleaner since I usually have it on hand. I'm not a member of that site so I can't view the pics. If anyone is interested I can do a "how to" using my '92 with pics from my 20d DSLR and instructions if the above thread is of no help.

Xterminate

hopefully the 1992 looks the same as the 1998 ones in location because that would GREATLY HELP!!

Please do a how to for us, I know other will come upon this issue as well in the future

92ESRick

I'm not 100% sure of how similar they are, but from memory my 98 Avalon had an almost identical looking intake plenum as the one on my 92 ES.

92ESRick

Okay, I cleaned mine and took pics today. Hopefully I'll have a chance to do a write up this weekend but my father in law is having heart problems and it may be a few days until I can do it.

Xterminate

worry about your dad first!!! hope he is doing well and getting better rick!