roller400

Anybody with a GS have any trouble starting their car in the morning? The past 2 days, I put in the key, the dash lights up, the steering wheel moves into position, but it won't turn over. Then I wait a minute and then it starts up. I don't know if this is an electrical problem, or the starter, or whatever.

Anyone have a clue?

BkLexZ

i ve been getting the same thing its the starter,

roller400

Thanks. Did changing the starter solve it? It seems kind of odd for my starter to be going out at only 72K miles. Is this a DIY?

PHML

iTrader: (33)

How is the battery? Did you change it yet?

roller400

I just had the battery checked. They say it is on it's last legs. I didn't even think of that because I just got the car last year, and it had a brand new battery. I guess that solves the mystery. I appreciate everyone's help.

BTW, is $920 a rip off for a new starter and labor? That's what the dealer quoted me if that was the issue.

link13

Do you have a Lexus battery? My opinion is that they aren't very good. The service records on my car show that the previous owner had to replace the battery every two years. The battery crapped out on me after I had the car for only a month, so I went with a Die Hard Gold and haven't had any problems since.

VVT-i

Your starter is located under the intake manifold and a lot of labor involve to get to the starter. You can do the search on the starter for all the V8 engine and you'll understand.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yeah if you are replacing your battery, might as well get the optima yellow top

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Every year on CL when things start to get colder outside people start talking about starting problems...

It's your battery usually! Replace it after 3 years!

GS408

its either the starter or the battery....had the same prob and it was the starter..replaced it and now its fires up like a charm....

GStateOM

Had the same problem and posted it here.

Anyway, the thing that gets me about this (starter or battery problem) is that it only happens when it feels like it. Some days, it takes you twice to start, some days it starts right away and on other days it takes 7x to start. Since I have 2 other cars I could drive, I won't be fixing it until it actually dies on me because it looks to be playing with me at this point. It started 3 months ago, went away for the 2nd month and now makes a return

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Yup...just did this last month and my starter began showing signs at 85K miles. Shop around if it is the starter...with AAA discount, it was $700 from the dealer. The other dealers were $960 -$1,100.

roller400

Got a new battery last night. That didn't solve it. I think it is the contacts in the starter. The toyota dealership said it is a common problem. Still not a cheap fix, got quoted $550.

GS408

its the starter 99% then ...you have all the classic symptoms of a failing starter...i got mines replaced for $480 installed. The starter itself was like 230 direct from the dealer....