1999 Lexus GS 400 Starting Problems
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Hello I have a 1999 Lexus GS 400 and am having problems with my starter. When the car sits over night and I come out I will turn the key and only get a "click" but if I turn the key 2-5 times it will start. The battery does not seem to be bad, because when it does start it cranks over very fast and smooth. So does this sound like a bad starter? I know that the starter is located under the intake and is a big job to replace. I have read somewhere that this could be just the contacts on the starter going bad, is this the case? If so where can I buy just the contacts?
Thanks for any help!!
-Chris
PS- I did use the search button first but didn't find all my answers.
Thanks for any help!!
-Chris
PS- I did use the search button first but didn't find all my answers.
#2
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Welcome....
Yes, you can just replace the contacts on your starter. replacing the contacts, once the starter is removed should be a breeze.
Contacts and a plunger should be about $25.00 at the dealer or much cheaper at a starter repair shop.
I'll refer you to a starter repair site over at yotarepair.com
![](http://www.yotarepair.com/Starter%20Rebuild_files/36s.jpg)
Remove the intake as one unit will be the best way and the quickest, and yes you may reuse the intake gaskets.
Good luck
Yes, you can just replace the contacts on your starter. replacing the contacts, once the starter is removed should be a breeze.
Contacts and a plunger should be about $25.00 at the dealer or much cheaper at a starter repair shop.
I'll refer you to a starter repair site over at yotarepair.com
![](http://www.yotarepair.com/Starter%20Rebuild_files/30s.jpg)
![](http://www.yotarepair.com/Starter%20Rebuild_files/36s.jpg)
Remove the intake as one unit will be the best way and the quickest, and yes you may reuse the intake gaskets.
Good luck
#3
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Welcome....
Yes, you can just replace the contacts on your starter. replacing the contacts, once the starter is removed should be a breeze.
Contacts and a plunger should be about $25.00 at the dealer or much cheaper at a starter repair shop.
I'll refer you to a starter repair site over at yotarepair.com
![](http://www.yotarepair.com/Starter%20Rebuild_files/36s.jpg)
Remove the intake as one unit will be the best way and the quickest, and yes you may reuse the intake gaskets.
Good luck
Yes, you can just replace the contacts on your starter. replacing the contacts, once the starter is removed should be a breeze.
Contacts and a plunger should be about $25.00 at the dealer or much cheaper at a starter repair shop.
I'll refer you to a starter repair site over at yotarepair.com
![](http://www.yotarepair.com/Starter%20Rebuild_files/30s.jpg)
![](http://www.yotarepair.com/Starter%20Rebuild_files/36s.jpg)
Remove the intake as one unit will be the best way and the quickest, and yes you may reuse the intake gaskets.
Good luck
Don't forget, even if you do take the intake manifold as an assembly, you'll still need gaskets. Also, you'll need coolant.
Good luck!
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Thanks everyone!! As for replacing the starter, where should I get one? And what do they cost? I have been told there are a lot of crappy aftermarket ones out there. As for changing the starter, I think I am going to do it myself. I work on cars a lot in my spare time and will just take it slow and make sure I do everything correct. Any big things I need to be careful with when I start this project? Obviously not to let anything falling to the heads, but any other things?
#6
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Thanks everyone!! As for replacing the starter, where should I get one? And what do they cost? I have been told there are a lot of crappy aftermarket ones out there. As for changing the starter, I think I am going to do it myself. I work on cars a lot in my spare time and will just take it slow and make sure I do everything correct. Any big things I need to be careful with when I start this project? Obviously not to let anything falling to the heads, but any other things?
I have done many Toyota/Lexus starters by replacing the contacts and plunger, because my friends and I have more time than money, over many years, not one has failed. Heck that is what a remanufactured starter is.
Good luck and patience is your friend.
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If you want to buy a new starter go OEM(Toyota). The dealer also have remanufactured starters much cheaper.
I have done many Toyota/Lexus starters by replacing the contacts and plunger, because my friends and I have more time than money, over many years, not one has failed. Heck that is what a remanufactured starter is.
Good luck and patience is your friend.
I have done many Toyota/Lexus starters by replacing the contacts and plunger, because my friends and I have more time than money, over many years, not one has failed. Heck that is what a remanufactured starter is.
Good luck and patience is your friend.
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#8
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Intake/head gaskets are about $16 per side.
It is your call to replace reuse them.
Most of the time they come off very much intact and in very good condition.
It is your call to replace reuse them.
Most of the time they come off very much intact and in very good condition.
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THANKS SO MUCH!!!
Last edited by DeLorean00; 12-06-08 at 06:28 PM.
#10
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The starter is bolted to the bellhousing with 2 bolts. Thats it...
It would be much easier to remove the starter and work on it on the bench.
Use caution when working around the knock sensor wire not to break it and cover up the open holes in the head.
It would be much easier to remove the starter and work on it on the bench.
Use caution when working around the knock sensor wire not to break it and cover up the open holes in the head.
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Thanks! Noted about the knock sensor. I will post pictures of my progress if anyone is interested. But I probably wont start until this weekend.