mick_foley

My wife's '02 ES300 has suddenly stopped starting on the first attempt. It seems that it is like this any time the engine cools off a little. The reason I say this is if you turn the car off and try to start the car again after you finally get it started, it will crank up with no problem. Starter? Any ideas?

llcoolpass

does it always crank or not always crank?

mick_foley

Does it always or not always crank when? It always cranks up eventually.

I hope I'm not confusing.

JSM1284

When trying to start after its been sitting, Does the engine turn over and just not start? Or is the engine not turning over at all?

mick_foley

Engine doesn't seem to turn over at all.

JSM1284

When cold, have someone turn and hold the key, if its not cranking while holding the key, pop the hood and tap on the starter with a blunt screwdriver or something. If that works, then the most likely cause is the starter.

mick_foley

Where's the starter? lol. I'm a complete under the hood newb but I plan to change that this summer by doing a WHOLE lot of reading and stuff. Sorry for the late reply. CL doesn't like to send me emails sometimes.

JSM1284

Pop the hood, located on top of transmission in the front where the trans bolts to the engine.

Infin1ty

You may also want to pick up a Haynes manual, does pretty good job of pointing stuff out, and its good for general maintenance

mick_foley

I got the factory repair manual somewhere. Gotta look through it to see if it helps.

mooseboy84

Most likey you just need a new starter. I had simmilar symptoms on my 96 and got a new starter and it was fine. It should be under $200 for a new starter and installation.

LEX ES300

I agree - sounds like the starter. If you try to start the car and all you hear is a single click and no engine noise of it trying to turn over and start then it's probably the starter.

Mine went on my 97 the other day. It would click once (no other noise) and if I kept trying it would eventually suddenly turn over and start, but each week I didn't have it fixed, it got worse and worse untill it wouldn't start anymore after trying numerous times.

Before you spend heaps of money on buying a complete new starter motor get your auto electrician to check the contacts inside the starter motor because in almost every case all you need to do is replace the starter contacts inside the starter motor. This is basically the only things that wear out on the Lexus/Toyota Denso starter motor. Act like you know whats wrong with it and say its the contacts when you go to the electrician because many will simply try to rip you off by saying you need a brand new starter!

Check this out..... Their advice certainly worked for me and I saved heaps - just needed new contacts. Simple!

http://www.startercontacts.com/

Good luck!

LEX ES300