GlobeCLK

iTrader: (5)

sup guys.

I've been wanting to replace my starters for about a month now. Last time I went to my trusted shop they were on vacation, so I've been putting it off, with school and work getting busy.

Last Thursday after work around 1pm, about to leave, started my car with a few attempts, it finally started, but made this very weird sound. Sounded like the timing belt was about to fly away or something. I turned off my car, but it wouldn't It would vibrate very hard, RPM probably around 100 or so. So i turned the key to the ON position, and the RPM would pick up.

I thought to myself "this is not good", so I decided to swing by the shop. It was about 2 minutes drive from where I work.

Right around the corner to the shop, my engine bay started smoking I quickly made it to the shop within 10 seconds of smoking and shut my car off. Opened the hood, all these smoke came out, and something smelled burnt.

Long story short, the shop replaced the starter. It was fried. The shop owner said wiring might need replacement if it's burned too, but he inspected it further and said wiring is fine. Total cost is around $190 for remanufacturered starter installed.

So guys, if you sense problems in your starter, get it fixed or replaced. Don't risk frying anything.

Lexus GS3

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for looking out Ray.. I'm glad that it was just the starter that got fried and nothing else.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

At least nothing else was damaged!

My starter crapped out on me 2 weeks after I got the car. But I would rather take a dead starter over a burning one

RTIS250

iTrader: (9)

yea.. the starters can lock up in the start position, and even with the IG off, they stay stuck engaged.. ive seen it much more common on ES and RX models though.. at least you got it fixed and no futher damage!

keith5o3

I had the same problem.. >< but my harness was fried.. Im sad but atleast my car didnt go the next stage and catch on fire ><

GS300Rich

glad nothing major was damaged, especially the wiring. Will keep this in mind if I start having starter problems

markgs4

Is there a point in mileage servicing (eg. 90k, 120k, etc), that we should consider replacing the starter? (as we would the timing belt at 90k etc)? I had a recent issue with the car not starting, but fortunately a new battery solved the problem. But the starter and alternator were both concerns for me at the time it happened.

BTW GlobeCLK, Im glad to hear you were able to get that issue resolved without further damage...I dont know how Id reactive to see smoke coming out of the engine bay.

Chenzo26

I would say there is a specific mileage, but the starter is one of those things that is common on our cars. I say replace it at the first sign of failure. Before mine went, every so often it would "half start" cranking almost to a start, but then not.

Hey GlobeCLK, I'm glad you didn't have more extensive damage. I can bet that you were sweatin' buckets when you saw all that smoke, but you must have been just as relieved to hear it was only the starter. That was a close one - thank goodness.

THE_CEO

Im on my 3rd starter this year. dont ask.

CEO

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

I guess that's why I keep a fire extinguisher in my trunk

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

I thought starters were more than $190 and actually a bit costly?

yao6

I am having my starter replaced, 2001, only 30,000 miles. The dealership is clipping me for $850.00. Am I getting robbed?

LexChipS

$850 holy #$*&. That is beyond being robbed. I got my starter replaced with my 90K service for a total of 1300. That included Waterpump and timingbelt. Do not send your car to that dealer. Throw a brick through there window. lol

THE_CEO

Yours was cheaper because they were already in there doing your 90k service.

CEO

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

What car do you have?