xGSxDUBZx

I have a 98 GS300 with 116.xxx miles. Last night my car died while I was driving home. I replaced the battery and still wouldn't start (no loose connections and etc.). What's stranged is that when I connected the battery the car would only crank (won't start) eventhough the key is not in the ignition system... Please help me...

Lubs

I was going to suggest you scrape any buildup on your terminals and connectors. Doesn't sound like that's your problem though.

A possibility is that your immobilizer isn't letting the car start up. A key that fits but doesn't have the chip will only crank the engine, not start it. Maybe the immobilizer isn't detecting the key for some reason. You can try a different key. Or it could be something else entirely.

YoungChris

Most likey its a stater problem. For a generic starter cost 140. Lexus starter cost about 200. What is going to cost the most is labor. I have a 99 GS 400 and for parts and labor cost me 450 dollars.

TPA_STEVE

Sounds like the starter. I just had the same problem and they replaced the contacts. The main cost is in the labor!! Cost was $600 and that was even with Toyota, not Lexus.

Racerx0911

check and make sure you have gas...

GWELEX

I'm a little confused by your original post. Are you saying there is no key in the ignition and when you connect the battery the car just starts cranking away on it own? If so, there is a short at the starter. Could just be the wires are loose and touching or there is a short in the solenoid. Check the connections at the starter first and go from there.

GTEgs300

your factory starter can be rebuilt for cheap, with factory parts...under $100