SoCalGS400

I bought a 2000 GS400 a month or so ago, and pulled it into the backyard this past weekend driveway to wash, clay, and polish out the scratches. Afterward, (yesterday), it wouldn't start. No engine crank and about a half second noise. I'm interested in DIY maintenance and performance upgrades, but last time I had space to work on a car was ~15 years ago, and then all I needed was a Haynes manual from the local Napa and the occasional helping hand. Fine, times change, and that's why I bought an OBDII code reader and spent so long downloading the repair manual. The reader seems to work, but there's no engine codes. The repair manual's flow chart goes directly from 'Does the engine crank?' to performing tests on the starter which, as far as I can tell, require removing it. The first thing on this page is 'these tests must be performed within 3 to 5 seconds to avoid during out the coil'. During out the coil sounds bad, so I ask, is there anything else I can check? Could I even replace the starter (if it's indeed the problem) myself if I were sufficiently motivated? I've seen the relevant Club Lexus article

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/mai...-on-gs400.html

which didn't mention anything about Special Service Tools, etc., but from my repair manual it looks like you'd need one to get the starter back in. I'm clearly no expert and I don't have a proper garage, but I use things like ratchets and multimeters. Is this something I should even attempt, or should I just punt and tow it to a repair shop?

Debonair

Start simple first. Check the battery terminals. If there is any corrosion clean them up. Check the battery voltage and/or get it tested at your local auto parts store. Replace it if needed.

Report back here when done.

SoCalGS400

Thanks. I've checked for clean terminals and charged battery. I just checked the battery/connections again with the multimeter, which read 12.0 V. I haven't tried to jump start it because I've never heard that noise from a dead battery, but I guess it couldn't hurt.

Infamous 1

iTrader: (20)

Try jumping the car. Sounds like you may have left a light on and killed it completely.

SoCalGS400

Will do. I'll report back in a few hours. I really hope you guys are right.

SoCalGS400

No such luck. Car would not jump start.

Debonair

Did it crank with the jump pack / other car hooked up?

BLK13X

Did you wash/detail the engine bay while you were at it?

SoCalGS400

No, same noise it made before, about a half second, maybe a bit less. It didn't quite sound like the clicking noise I've heard from other broken starters, as it was more continuous, but I could imagine it were a similar phenomenon, where the clicks were blended together perceptually.

SoCalGS400

No, I didn't open the hood.

entryspeed

iTrader: (3)

Well this doesnt sound so good Ive seen no mention above of looking at the relays and fuses. before thinking a starter is bad check them. Because the starters are a byatch on the 1uzfe engine really unless you have experience with them. The starter is under the intake manifold on top of the engine. I will watch thread and help as info comes about. GL

SoCalGS400

I tried to inspect the relay, but got stuck. In the repair manual, it looks like the whole cartridge fuse pops right out, but I couldn't pull it out, and with a pair of pliers and a rag I only managed to pull off the plastic housing and crack it. Is there a trick to pulling this thing off, a hidden switch or something, or is only the housing supposed to come off?